RECREATION PARKS 



been laid out on the principle that a straight line is the shortest dis- 

 tance between two points. A landscape designer, given transporta- 

 tion as one of the fundamental requirements of his park problem, can 

 so locate the necessary lines as to be hardly noticeable to pedestrians 

 or those driving, carrying the lines within reach of all desired points, 

 and even furnishing them with considerable incidental beauty en route. 



RESTFUL RATHER THAN STIMULATING 



The general character of recreation parks is best not showy in the 

 sense of being formal. An extensive scheme of great regularity, 

 exhibiting preponderance of axial lines, focal points, and formal vistas 

 is unsuitable for the purpose, as being incompatible with the idea of 

 relaxation and let-down. A serene naturalistic effect is most to be 

 desired, the result of, rather than the evidence of, man's handiwork. 

 The design should be laid out so as to appear orderly, leading the 

 visitor in an assured fashion to the different points of interest, conduct- 

 ing him to them in succession, without radical change of direction or 

 apparent retracing of steps. The walks or roadways which he follows 

 should always hold points of interest ahead, and the reward should be 

 sufficiently frequent to prevent thought of fatigue. This is the 

 strongest point in recreation park design to be recognised, and too 

 great emphasis cannot be put upon it. One obtains rest and recrea- 

 tion, often not so much by complete cessation of physical and mental 

 activity as by moderate exercise with complete change of thought. A 

 park which wuU hold a person's attention so completely and lead him 

 from one point to another so gently that he feels no conscious effort 

 will rest him in mind and body, and bring him true recreation. 



Such a restful park proved to be the one at Hof. The gravest 

 criticism against it was its entrance, so hidden away up a side street 

 that the stranger discovers it purely by chance. It is not a pretentious 

 park ; some persons would call it common-place if not shabby, but that 



144 



