1 24 The City's Challenge in Resource Use 



urban settlement would then turn out to show a lesser drain on re- 

 sources than a predominantly rural pattern of settlement? 



As to this speculation, may I say that when this happens every- 

 body will have been urbanized. All standards will have been revised 

 upward to city levels. Furthermore, are there not reasons for believ- 

 ing that this is in fact improbable, in that the income and standards 

 of metropohtan man will be continually pushing forward, while the 

 nonurban man is catching up? In the metropolis, under a free econ- 

 omy with its greater market choices, will not incomes, education, 

 and fluidity always be higher, with deep economic and social signifi- 

 cance? Finally, what I am talking about is the next two generations, 

 not the indefinite future. During this more limited period urbaniza- 

 tion certainly throws added pressures on our natural resources, be- 

 cause urbanization and the effective demand for higher standards 

 now seem to run together. 



Recreational opportunities. Urbanization, as has been indicated, 

 is not solely a matter of a place to live. It is a way of life. In dis- 

 cussing recreation, three elements of this rapidly spreading way of 

 life deserve special attention. 



In the first place, as already noted, urban populations have more 

 leisure time, laid out on a fixed timetable, known in advance, and 

 available for chosen activities. The short work day and week, the 

 "long week-end," and vacations with pay, are an urban development. 



In the second place, urban populations alone have the self-evident 

 need and desire to "get out of the crowds into the country," and to 

 own second homes or shacks "away from it all," or to have sailboats 

 and motor cruisers. 



Finally, there is in the cities a growing cultural sanction for travel, 

 trips, vacations, and country or beach clubs, stimulated by example, 

 advertising, and all the other social and economic forces. People who 

 don't "go away" for their holidays almost have to apologize. The 

 urban "Joneses" we are keeping up with are always picnicking, 

 skiing, boating, or enjoying the sunshine or cool breezes somewhere 

 far away! And what is particularly important now is that these are 

 rich and memorable family activities, in contrast with so much of 

 urban life. 



