'TASSING-THROUGH" PARKS 



ethics of park design. If considered offensive by some, it will serve as 

 incentive to promote the acquisition of requisite park areas for rest 

 parks in down-town localities.* 



" PASSING-AROUND " PARKS 



The park areas at street terminations and the circular areas devel- 

 oped at street intersections in the radial system, come more under the 

 heading of " passing-around " than " passing-through " parks. As 

 an example of the close similarity between the two, there may be cited 

 Thomas Circle in Washington and Karolinenplatz in Munich, of 

 approximately the same size and similar location, the one with a statue, 

 the other with an obelisk at the centre, the main difference being that 

 in Washington the pedestrians pass around the Circle and in Munich 

 walks are provided in four directions for their passing through. Pass- 

 ing-around and passing-through parks must be considered much the 

 same in character of display allowed, the former, however, permitting 

 greater display than the latter because of greater focal interest. 



When these parks come in a location where street views focus upon 

 them, they are then said to have focal or cynosure value, and in that 

 case should have especial features of civic interest. It usually happens 

 that such focal parks are immediately commandeered for statues. 

 This is fortunately one of the best purposes to wliich they may be put, 

 and thereby they render valuable service to the city plan. Such focal 

 points can be utilised equally well, however, by fountains or architec- 

 tural features which will contribute beauty as well as distinction to the 

 street view. Parks of this variety, when given architectural motifs, 

 should be kept free from planting or floral display, except as such 

 embellishment shall contribute to the setting of the statue or fountain. 

 Auxiliary planting must never interfere or compete witli tlie focal 

 motif. 



* See chapter on " Disposition of Seats in Parks." 



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