DESIGN OF PARK AND RECREATION AREAS 127 



plantation should be of such density that when the vines or shrubs attain 

 their full growth the playground will be effectively screened off from the 

 outer world. If the area is so small as to require the placing of the fence 

 on the property line in order to conserve space, vines of different kinds may 

 be planted along it for a screen and adornment. It is desirable to have a 

 row or two of trees entirely around the playground, either inside or out- 

 side the fence, and there should be trees in those sections of the various 

 divisional spaces where the apparatus is located. Wherever possible, patches 

 of lawn and flower beds should be planted in odd spaces. If space permits, 

 a grove, serving somewhat as a neighborhood park, is a very desirable feature 

 in connection with every children's playground. 



It would add very much to the attractiveness of the playground if 

 each divisional space were fenced off from the others and a narrow strip of 

 shrubbery planted along each fence. In this case an auxiliary but less strong 

 fence or a railing might be necessary for the protection of the shrubbery. 



Miscellaneous Equipment. 



1. Drinking fountains. An abundance of pure, cool water is an abso- 

 lute essential on every playground. There should be at least one drinking 

 fountain on each space division of the children's playground. 



2. Flagpoles. One or more flagpoles should be provided. These may 

 be placed near the entrance in front of the shelter or at some focal point 

 on the playground. 



3. Lighting. The most delightful time for play in practically all sec- 

 tions of the country is during the hours after the evening meal. This is 

 generally a period of great activity among the children and the time when 

 they are most likely to get into mischief unless there are proper places for 

 the expression of their energies. In some sections of the country many of 

 the daylight hours are too hot for successful play. For these reasons it is 

 highly desirable that children's playgrounds be lighted for evening use, 

 unless, as in the extreme north country, darkness does not set in until time 

 for the children to go to bed. But even in those sections having long eve- 

 nings of daylight or twilight, there is an hour or more after the children 

 should be in bed that these playground areas could be used by young 

 people and adults. Lights are essential to provide for this wider use. 



Space Needed for Given Types of Activities. 



In an article entitled "Play Space for Elementary School Children," 1 

 Prof. George E. Johnson prefaces his conclusions as to the minimum stand- 

 ards of play space needs of primary school children by a discussion of 

 " Plays and Games that Every Boy and Girl Should Know," to the end 



1 The Playground, October 1926. 



