DESIGN OF PARK AND RECREATION AREAS 205 



bathhouses, and in structures of an educational-recreation character. It 

 is sometimes desirable, even in more or less remote parts of large parks, to 

 have small comfort stations in the vicinity of trails and bridle paths. 



(b) Refreshment stands. The presence of refreshment stands often 

 causes park officials a great deal of trouble when, through political influence, 

 a concessionaire secures the right to place them wherever he chooses and to 

 erect any kind of structure he desires. The location of these stands and 

 the type of architecture employed should never be determined by anyone 

 except by the park designer, or, if introduced later, by the superintendent. 

 They will, as a general rule, be located near the places where people con- 

 gregate, but they should be so designed and located as to be as inconspic- 

 uous as possible. When located in larger structures the problem is much 

 simplified. 



(c) Restaurants. These are nearly always a part of some larger struc- 

 ture, although there are some examples of structures in large parks used 

 primarily for dining purposes. Old mansions or other buildings, the pres- 

 ervation of which is desirable because of some historical or other local 

 significance, have been remodeled into restaurants or more often into com- 

 bined restaurants and clubhouses. Locations that present fine views over 

 water or long vistas are admirable as sites for restaurants. 



(d) Shelters. Aside from the protection provided by larger structures 

 erected primarily for other purposes, it is necessary at various points about 

 large parks to erect shelters of various types. Such structures are nearly 

 always a necessary adjunct to picnic places, and small shelters should be 

 scattered here and there along trails or at places presenting especially fine 

 views. If a children's playground is included as a distinct unit of a large 

 park, a shelter is a necessary adjunct to this area. Shelters may be of a 

 very simple rustic character or they may be designed to present very 

 splendid architectural effects. The same structure may serve as a shelter 

 and comfort station. 



2. Structures that are necessary adjuncts to active recreation areas. These 

 may include field houses, boathouses, bathhouses, golf clubhouses, warming 

 houses. The location of these is predetermined to a great degree, although 

 the specific location in the vicinity of the area to be served and the design 

 of the structures should always be under the guidance of the landscape 

 architect and the building architect, with the advice of a trained and expe- 

 rienced recreation organizer. The size of such structures and the variety 

 of service facilities they may include will vary with local conditions. 



3. Structures that in themselves are recreation centers. These include 

 dance floors or halls, roller skating rinks and clubhouses. 



There are a few large parks in the United States where the park offi- 



