THE WHITE HOUSE 



WAS H I NGTON 



Three years ago at the initial session 

 of the National Conference on Outdoor Recreation, it 

 was my pleasure to emphasize the need of a national 

 recreation policy. At that time I expressed the hope 

 that all agencies, official and unofficial, might co- 

 operate in gathering information and formulating prin- 

 ciples that would be helpful in meeting the recreation 

 needs of the people. 



It is therefore very gratifying to write 

 the foreword to this manual which represents a valuable 

 contribution toward this end. This report embodies the 

 findings of an exhaustive nation-wide study of our muni- 

 cipal and county park systems undertaken at the request 

 of the National Conference on Outdoor Recreation, and 

 carried out by the Playground and Recreation Association 

 of America in cooperation with the American Institute of 

 Park Executives. 



Play for the child, sport for youth, and 

 recreation for adults are essentials of normal life. It 

 is becoming generally .recognized that the creation and 

 maintenance of outdoor recreation facilities is a com- 

 munity duty in order that the whole public might parti- 

 cipate in their enjoyment. This presents a particular 

 challenge to municipal and county administrations. I am 

 hopeful that the results of this study may be widely used 

 to the end that our people, even in cities, may not be 

 deprived of opportunities for wholesome play and recrea- 

 tion out of doors. 



ENDORSEMENT OF PRESIDENT COOLIDGE 



