GENERAL PLANNING OF A PARK SYSTEM 53 



knowledge of conditions inimical to the well-being of the people might 

 influence the first efforts of the community toward providing needed areas 

 and facilities in those sections of the community where plague spots of one 

 kind or another are found. Thus, if it be shown by plotting on a map the 

 cases of juvenile delinquency in the community for several years past, 

 that some particular sections of the community are producing more cases 

 as compared with other sections, it would probably indicate that a well- 

 equipped supervised playground would be a desirable asset for that sec- 

 tion. If in some section of the community a study of the morbidity and 

 mortality statistics shows an unusually high rate, it might indicate that 

 the children and adults were not receiving enough sunlight, fresh air and 

 opportunities for wholesome exercise, and that an open parklike area 

 should be secured. If a section of the community is found to be inhabited 

 by a large number of workers in highly specialized, standardized manu- 

 facturing plants, as an antidote to this type of monotonous, nerve-racking, 

 non-creative work areas for all manner of physical activities and outdoor 

 opportunities ought to be provided for the workers to engage in creative 

 activities of various kinds. 



Thus it should be possible to analyze the community needs in such a 

 way as to show where the chief emphasis should be placed in carrying 

 into effect any plan that might be formulated. 



Law and Legislation. There should be a careful compilation of all 

 state laws, charter provisions and local ordinances relating in any way to 

 the powers and rights of the community relative to the acquisition, devel- 

 opment and operation of parks and other recreation areas. Such a study 

 will show whether there are any powers that are lacking or where merely 

 implied powers need further definition and enlargement. Not infrequently 

 in planning a park system one of the first steps required is to strengthen 

 existing power of the local administrative agency or to secure entirely new 

 powers from the proper legislative authority. 



Finances. A thorough analysis of the community's financial resources 

 is fundamentally necessary in planning a park system. All other questions 

 in the establishment and operation of a park system finally come down 

 to this single question of finances. The study might include an investiga- 

 tion of the methods of financing park systems in other communities where 

 an outstanding success has been made in planning, development and 

 operation of park systems. 



