A MODERN PROBLEM

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 26, 1 February 1926, Page 9

A MODERN PROBLEM

NEED FOR OPEN SPACES

PLAYGROUNDS AND WELL-

BEING

ADDRESS BY" DIRECTOR OF RESERVES.

Among the addresses given at the first meeting, at Dunedin, of the new-ly-formed association of Superintendents of Gardens, Parks, and Reserves, was one given by M/l J. MacKenzie, Director of Parks and Reserves, Wellington, in which he emphasise! the importance of municipal recreation grounds.

The provision of adequate openspaces in cities and growing towns is a modern problem, said Mr. MacKenzie, but unfortunately many municipal authorities fail to realise the importance of park space. The last sixty years have been characterised by an extraordinary migration of people from the country to the town. This exodus makes it incumbent on the municipal authorities to provide healthy conditions for the crowded masses. The conditions in the towns of forty years ago have passed away. In those far-off days there w.\s no difficulty in finding a play area; the vacant paddock, even if one was chased off occasionally, was always available around the corner. What is the present position? These are all built on, and the streets' in many cases, form the only play area the poor unfortunate child has to fall back on. These, with the motor-car and bus, are nothing but a death trap to the child. AN INVESTMENT. In the matter of open spaces New Zealand cities have nothing to boast of, and it is obvious that in the past we have .altogether been short-sighted in dealing with this question. In all our cities people are herded together in congested quarters, and the modern flat is not going to help at all. To these tenants open spaces are a God--sent, for hero they find light, air, and sunshine, often deni'cd them in their own homes. The rich man can provide himself with his own lawn and gardens, or by motor go into the country. For the poor man, the municipality must provide the public park, and it is a good investment. Already 'our existing athletic fields are quite insufficient for the needs of our yOung people. What will it be fifty years hence? The, authorities should everywhere get busy and acquire' land to give everybody a chance to take part in the playing of: sports. It is a significant fact that after the Great War, all the Parliamentary leaders in the Old Country signed an appeal for funds to purchase play areas so that the rising generation should have an opportunity to develop physically on right lines. The number of unfit men in the Old Country was terribly significant. . That citizens generally recognise this need, and are willing to pay for it, is proved by the popularity of all properly-equipped playgrounds. Human beings, ai well as plants, thrive out; of-doors. - Open spaces are a city's lungs. They may be used as playing grounds' for the children, or as play centres for both children arid adults. . They may be in the form of (gardens, parks,-or recreation, grounds and lieaches. As the city grows the need to provide such open spaces becomes more frequent and urgent. This is a '.fundamental issue, and no seeming expediency or false idea of economy should prevent those in authority from facing the issue squarely, and providing for the present ..and future citizen, notwithstanding past neglect. OF FIRST IMPORTANCE. I claim that open spaces for the multitude are at necessary' for public health in our crowded cities as good drainage, water supply, or roads. The most up-to-date system of sanitation or street maintenance will be of little use if the citizen cannot get fresh air and recreation. I am sure that if you gave all city boys and girls facilities to play vigorous games in healthful surroundings, and under proper supervision, you will train and develop not only the physical, but the moral and social qualities of the young people of this country in such a way as to go far to make them in after life good and,worthy citizens.