126 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



of open spaces. Architect Albert Mayer has called this process 

 "juvenation." Others state that it is the simple process of bringing 

 leisure time opportunities to the people in their neighborhoods for 

 maximum use. 



In Washington, our Beautification Committee has developed plans 

 to beautify some playground and recreational areas. We have also 

 looked at our schools in two dimensions. The physical aspect of the 

 school, we feel, should be commensurate with the needs of youth. 

 Its environment should be pleasant and accepting. A dark and dis- 

 mal school and bare grounds are hardly desirable for bright and joy- 

 ous intellects. While it is true that darkness is conducive to the 

 birth of a seedling, only in sunlight and air can it flourish. When 

 the minds of young are exposed to pleasant, festive and interesting 

 work and play areas and parks, we see the intellect come through. 

 We are happy to note, for instance, that two businessmen active in 

 our committee saw this challenge and recently spent some $7,000 in 

 beautifying two schools. 



To deal with the objective of maximum beauty in our cities is to 

 deal with maximum complexity. The urban area produces multiple 

 pressures for available land. This fact is particularly aggravating 

 in Washington. Confined to a specific land area, Washington has 

 no opportunity for expansion by annexation. Nevertheless, we must 

 carefully plan for our city parks and open spaces in the areas where 

 most of our people are living. Competition in Washington for avail- 

 able land involves land for homes and living space, highways, office 

 buildings, industry, commercial activities, schools, libraries, and 

 other uses all within a limited area. In the District of Columbia 

 we have not looked upon our urban condition with discouragement. 

 We have considered it a great challenge to make our Nation's Cap- 

 ital truly a showcase for all American cities. 



From recent experience in Washington and several other cities 

 I submit a few practical suggestions relating to the application of new 

 concepts of physical design and social use of open spaces in urban 

 areas. 



First, we know that parks and open spaces should be located and 

 designed so that they are fully accessible and attractive to the interests 

 and needs of all age groups. 



Greater emphasis should be placed on the design of small, crowded 

 spaces in urban areas. We know there is great opportunity here. 



