SPACE FOR PLAY

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1939, Page 5

SPACE FOR PLAY

Accurate Surveys ON POPULATION BASIS. A helpful contribution to the Physical Fitness campaign is given by the Hon. J. McLeod, M.L.C., Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Representatives of Reserves Committees and Park Superintendents. In reference to the numerous committees which are being set up under the Physical Welfare and Recreation Act, he states that their first and most important task will he to make a thorough survey of the facilities available within their respective districts. These surveys, when completed and correlated and studied in relation to population trends, should form a complete picture of the recreational needs of each district and of the Dominion as a whole, and form the basis for a well-balanced and coordinated scheme of future development. "I am satisfied,” continues Mr McLeod, “that the national survey which is about to be undertaken, will show a deplorable deficiency, in the great majority of towns, in the matter of permanent open spaces available for parks and recreational purposes, judged by the accepted standards of other countries. “Now, I am going to put forward as a basis of discussion what I consider to be the minimum standards which should be aimed at by the responsible authorities in New Zealand. I have adopted the English system of calculation in age groups, radii of efficiency and acres per thousand of population rather than our crud-; system of percentages of gross land area, which may mean one acre of playing fields for anything from one hundred to ten thousand perosns, according to the density of population. “For what is called the kindergarten age, namely, from one to five, there should be provided in the more densely built-up urban areas, at least one playground of not less than half an acre per thousand of population and at intervals of not more than half a mile. These grounds should be so located that it should not be necessary for children to cross a traffic street and they should be laid out as a restful, and shady retreat for those who are supervising the children’s play. “For the age group five to ten inclusive, there should be provided grounds of not less than one acre per thousand of population, at intervals of not more than half - a mile. These playgrounds should be equipped with plav facilities, which will encourage Initiative and enterprise on the part of the children, and planted for shade and aesthetic effect. “For the age group eleven to fifteen inclusive, there should be provided grounds of not less than two acres per thousand of population in areas of not less than five acres, at intervals of not more than half a mile, in which separate provision is made for boys and girls and for the playing of organised games. The grounds should be planted for shade and aesthetic effect and equipped with jaujldirigs which can be utilised as gymnasia or for indoor games during Inclement weather. “For the age group sixteen to twenty-five inclusive, there should be provided grounds of not less than two acres per thousand of population in areas of not less than ten acres, and at intervals of not more than two miles. These grounds should be designed and equipped for active recreation for both sexes and should contain facilities for football, cricket, hockey, baseball and basketball grounds and tennis courts. It may be convenient, too, to include a gymnasium and swimming peol in the layout. The grounds should be planted for shelter and aesthetic effect. “For the age group over twentyfive, an age which, theoretically, marks the end of a man’s participation in the more violent forms of recreation, there should be provided one acre of ground per thousand of population for games such as bowls and croquet. “For every ten thousand of population there should be provided in convenient localities one - eighteen hole golf course, one swiming pool. and one gymnasium. “For every thirty thousand of population there should be provided one athletic ground with the various facilities based on Olympic standards and with suitable accommodation for spectators. This ground, of course, would be used for important football and cricket fixtures as well as athletic training and events. “For every thirty thousand inhabitants there should be a- self-contained community recreational and social centre which may or may not contain all or any of the facilities already enumerated, but which should be regarded as the educational centre in connection with physical welfare and rcreation for all age groups and tor various cultural activities. “For every urban centre of twenty thousand people or over there should be provided and maintained within a radius of twenty miles, a country park of not less than one hundred acres, with twenty, or thirty acres of native bush and running water which can be used for school outings, nature studies, picnics, motor ’ camping' grounds, etc. “There should be provided in every age centre of population where access to the country is difficult, educational recreational facilities such as botanical gardens, arboretums, ’zoological gardens and museums. ; ; “If you will add up these.areas, excluding country parks, golf courses and the educational facilities, you will find that the minimum area for active recreation which I am suggesting works out at; approximately 7J acres per one thousand of population. Shall we say ten acres for one thousand for all purposes other than country parks and golf courses “Some may think that such a high standard would be difficult, if not impossible, of attainment. Personally, I think that, in this young countranything and everything is possible if we have the will and the inspiration to do it. I would say with the late Daniel Burnham, the 'make no little plans; they havp no magic to stir men’s blood.’”