294 PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 



The city man is not over anxious to have the farmers use his privileges 

 without paying for them in theatre, fair, carnival and amusement park 

 tickets. On the other hand unless the farmer is willing to open his 

 choice wood pasture and water sites for public use he is considered a 

 grouch, a tightwad or public nuisance. Is the private property in the city 

 open for the countryman's use? Why should it be in the country? 



Natural, attractive and wholesome country parks owned and controlled 

 by the state and made more useful with the addition of community build- 

 ings built with community funds, would be one of the most valuable as- 

 sets that could be granted to develop community sipirit among Iowa's 

 farming population. 



With such a system of Iowa's country parks, inter-city traffic will con- 

 stitute which constitutes 47% of our highway traffic would be greatly as- 

 sisted and would appreciate these sites for camp and rest room privileges. 

 City population who have the necessary means of transportation would feel 

 free to use these country parks in many ways. The average American 

 citizen has a keen appreciation of the property rights of others and for this 

 reason does not go to the country to enjoy its privileges except as he makes 

 a continuous trip. Trespassing does not appeal to him and so he does 

 not get acquainted with the country as he should. 



A well developed system of country roadside parks improved, assisted 

 and developed by community funds would be one of the best avertise- 

 ments for the state as far as tourist traffic is concerned. Appropriate 

 signs indicating direction and distance from camping sites, where rest 

 rooms, camping sites, and picnic facilities are available, would be of in- 

 finite value to the tourist. 



In conclusion a carefully selected system of state parks located along 

 main traveled highways would be a definite means for the promotion of 

 community enterprise in the country. With the co-operation of com- 

 munity organizations as far as the erection of buildings and the use of 

 the grounds are concerned a community spirit is developed which cannot 

 be estimated and it is invaluable in the building and future improvement 

 of the community. 



Such parks would furnish definite points of contact between the city 

 man, his country brother and builds up for both of them a keener appre- 

 ciation for the country and its possibilities and advantages. 



For these reasons we cannot recommend too strongly a system of 

 country state parks, some of them to be located along main highways for 

 definite community enterprises, for town, country, and tourist recreation 

 and enjoyment. 



Dated January 31, 1919. 



COUNTY PARKS AND FORESTS. 

 By T. R. Truax. 



The subject of "County Parks and Forests" is rather a new one in this 

 country. It is proba'bly a natural outgrowth of the movement for a bet- 

 terment of rural conditions in America. To some the idea of county parks 



