DESIGN OF PARK AND RECREATION AREAS 



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HOBOKLN - PARK, 



PLATE No. 49. DESIGN OF HOBOKEN PLAYFIELD-PARK, HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY 



One of the properties of the Hudson County Park System, Hudson County, New Jersey. 



(Design by Charles N. Lowrie, Landscape Architect, New York.) 



The different features of this plan are referred to a main axis running east and west through the area. At 

 the extreme west end of the park is a large athletic field for the use of older boys and men. It is depressed about 

 eighteen inches below the level of the adjacent paths. This gives a more pleasing effect, protects those outside 

 the field, permits the flooding of the field for skating, and makes for economy in the amount of fill. At the south 

 end of this field, and separated from it by the main axis path, is a narrow strip equipped as an outdoor gymnasium 

 for the older boys. 



East of this field and separated from it by a path are a ball field and playground for the younger boys and 

 girls. A cinder running track surrounds the ball field. Narrow strips equipped with gymnastic apparatus for the 

 girls extend above the south end of the park near this playground. 



The central feature of the park consists of a field house with a semi-detached band stand surrounded by a 

 music court. The first floor of this field house may be arranged as an open pavilion in summer and may be con- 

 verted into an enclosed hall in winter. 



Among the other facilities provided in the east end of the park are an ornamented lagoon, a wading pool 

 for small children, an outdoor swimming pool and bathhouse, and semi-circular graveled areas along the lagoon 

 suitable for the use of older people and family parties. 



This playfield is located in a region of great density of population and is surrounded by factories and railroad 

 yards. Aside from the general excellence of the plan from the viewpoint of the variety of facilities for active recrea- 

 tion, this playfield is distinguished by remarkable success in achieving beauty of landscape adornment by the use 

 of shrubs, trees and flowers under conditions commonly believed impossible for growing things. It is a shining: 

 rebuke to anyone who considers that it is impossible to make areas of limited extent attractive while at the same 

 time providing a wide variety of active recreation facilities. Since this has been done here successfully under the: 

 worst possible environmental conditions and subject to an extraordinary intensity of use, it can be done anywhere. 



