GENERAL PLANNING OF A PARK SYSTEM 63 



22. Offer prizes for the best looking business fronts. 



23. Offer prizes for the best looking streets. 



24. Offer prizes for the best private yard layout. 



25. Offer prizes for the best subdivision layout. 



Such a program involves the appointment of sub-committees: one to 

 handle publicity and publications; another to take care of speakers; another 

 to take charge of competitions and various others to meet special needs. 



Essential Factors in Publicity. In conducting an educational campaign, 

 particularly in communities where there has not previously been a park 

 and recreation system, the following points may well be stressed: 



1. Publicity must be focused. All educational propaganda must have 

 as its objective the particular purpose for which the campaign is being con- 

 ducted. Whether a bond issue for parks, a charter amendment or other 

 objective, the ultimate aim must constantly be borne in mind. 



2. The value of trained leadership in all forms of park and recreation 

 developments in operation must be emphasized. The public should be 

 made to realize from the beginning that the desired results can come only 

 through the service of trained workers whether on the playground, at the 

 swimming center, on the golf course, in the conservatory or in connection 

 with any of the varied activities of the modern park program. This is not 

 easy. There is still a long road of extensive educational work to be followed 

 before the public will clearly understand the fundamental necessity of pro- 

 viding for trained leadership in all phases of park activity. 



Newspaper Publicity. The local press presents the most immediate 

 channel for reaching large numbers of people. It is, therefore, an impor- 

 tant medium. Material for newspapers, particularly the current news story, 

 which is a plain statement of fact telling what it is all about, should go to 

 the newspaper while it is news, not when it becomes history. There is, too, 

 the feature story usually appearing in the Sunday paper which is valuable 

 regardless of time. Significant facts gleaned from the study; a map of the 

 improvement plans for some large park for which bonds are to be voted 

 on, together with a description of the plans; stories of parks of other cities, 

 and pictures showing their development with a statement of the benefits 

 derived from parks, all make good feature story material. 



It is an important part o ( f the work of the publicity committee to get 

 local papers to comment editorially on the campaign. There are many 

 people with whom this form of newspaper publicity is particularly effective. 



Publications. One or two page leaflets giving facts about the cam- 

 paign and showing possible contrast pictures are effective. These leaflets 

 should be brief and to the point, giving only significant facts. 



Speakers. It is of primary importance that the campaign for parks 

 shall be presented before all community groups. Sometimes the plan is 



