292 PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 



vided provision be made for their safety and freedom from molestation, 

 thus increasing, manifoldly, the attractions of the park. 



I have said nothing of the educational value of the county ipark, but it 

 can readily be seen that no one could visit such a place without some- 

 thing new and interesting being presented to his attention. To the 

 young it would be an inspiration and incitement to become better ac- 

 quainted with all that offers its-elf that is new and striking. The teachers 

 of botany, zoology, and nature study, in both town and country schools, 

 would here find unusual and charming opportunities to illustrate their 

 work and to stimulate their pupils to new efforts. 



The principles of forestry would here find exemplification. Portions 

 of the ipark should be treated with this specially in view. It would be 

 just the place for lectures on the subject and for developing some of its 

 practical phases. 



In fact a county park would in one way and another benefit every in- 

 dividual of the county if he would have it so, and I am not sure but that 

 it would do so anyway. Unlike a public building or monument, a public 

 park of the kind I have so briefly and imperfectly brought to your atten- 

 tion would never be at its best in your lifetime but its value would in- 

 crease with the years. Improvements must be made from time to time. 

 It would itself suggest some of these improvements with the changes that 

 naturally take place. Men would discover new features that might be 

 added as they study the subject and they would study the subject as ap- 

 preciation of its importance develops. 



A word should be said as to the administration of such parks. It may 

 be that legislation will be needed before county parks can be established 

 and administered. However, that may be, there will be found a necessity 

 for rules and regulations in order that flowers, shrubs, trees, and birds 

 may not be disturbed unduly. It is unfortunate that civilization has not 

 yet reached the stage where carelessness, self seeking, and mischief mak- 

 ing for mischief's sake are not found in all too many individuals. A coun- 

 ty park without restrictions and oversight would afford all such an oppor- 

 tunity to make the county park a mere waste place with nothing to recom- 

 mend it above the neighboring pasture or woodlot. Iowa Forestry and 

 Conservation Association Report 1914-15, pp. 138-142. 



COMMUNITY CENTER ENTERPRISES IN RELATION TO STATE 



PARKS. 



By R. J. Pearse. 



Community enterprises are the basis of the social life of the Iowa 

 farm home; without them farm life reverts to the individaul "catch who, 

 or catch as catch can," methods of existence; with them the entire farm- 

 ing population of the community is molded into a unit for the definite 

 benefit of the community as a whole and not for any individual person or 

 persons. 



