PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 311 



are long lines of symmetrically arranged trees such as we may find on 

 city avenues, good taste in this case. 



The furnishings and accessories should be -as neat and as simple as 

 possible. Avoid heavy construction and formal effects. Simple neat 

 markers for historic spots or directions should be used while all adver- 

 tising signs and bill boards should be omitted. This should apply as 

 well to highways other than scenic drives. If architectural features such 

 as, bridges and culverts must be added, see that, their design is in keep- 

 ing with their surroundings. It is highly possible that in some situations 

 where the stream is shallow that a paved ford may be as serviceable 

 as a bridge and surely less expensive and artificial. There is a certain 

 thrill to be had when driving through a stream with the water swirling 

 around the spokes of the wheels. This type of construction is not un- 

 common practice in large rural parks and throughout certain southern 

 states. 



If we study carefully the problem of scenic drives first for that loca- 

 tion which will make accessible and reveal the natural beauty spots of 

 the small community; second, to give them a natural alignment and a 

 practical grade; and third, to furnish them in a simple natural way we 

 are fulfilling the primary aim of these drives which is to connect and 

 bring together those features of community interest and beauty in such 

 a manner as to create local color the appreciation of which will lead to a 

 greater feeling for and a greater interest in the state parks and in turn 

 for the unlimited aim, the national park system. 



This magnificent national park system was conceived in American 

 minds, was born of American progressiveness, and is being developed by 

 American ingenuity. Quoting Professor P. A. Waugh, in this respect, 

 he says: "Nothing like this system of recreation grounds was ever estab- 

 lished in any country in the world before, nor was there ever any similar 

 undertaking of such tremendous reach, such high human possibilities." It 

 is the embodiment of the spirit of America as shown through her great 

 asset the American landscape with its qualities of bigness, wildness, 

 diversity and versatility. 



A scenic drive is a refinement of detail in the national park system 

 which touches the, everyday life of the individual and aids in tying the 

 national system together in much the same manner as a ribbon holds 

 together the bouquet. 



