DESIGN OF PARK AND RECREATION AREAS 209 



Large reservations present almost ideal conditions for riding horse- 

 back, but unless stables are maintained either by private individuals in 

 the vicinity, on concession from the management or by the governing 

 authority of the reservation, this splendid recreation is not likely to be 

 much practiced. Where horses are available, a system of riding trails should 

 be made a part of the design of the reservation. The riding trails, because 

 of their greater width, are a more effective fire break than the hiking trails. 



Next to those features of the design of reservations which open them 

 up to the public are those which have to do with water supply and disposal 

 of human waste. Some very bad conditions have been brought about in 

 reservations by constructing roadways and thereby admitting people before 

 the fundamental necessities of water supply and waste disposal equipment 

 have been provided. 



From the time that numbers of people begin to use reservations, all 

 natural sources of water supply (streams, lakes, springs, etc.) become sub- 

 ject to pollution. Every possible precaution should be taken to protect 

 springs, if, because of their natural position, nature of the terrain and sub- 

 soil conditions it appears possible to maintain the purity of their waters. 

 If this seems impossible they should be closed. (See Chapter XVI, "Park 

 Sanitation," for methods of protecting springs.) 



While it is quite possible, and often highly desirable, to develop a 

 modern system of water supply in reservations, especially in centers used 

 intensively, such as inns, large picnic grounds and organized camps, it is 

 likely that the least expensive and most reliable source of water supply 

 can be gotten from deep-driven wells. (See Chapter XVI, "Park Sanita- 

 tion," for methods of protecting wells to ensure the sanitary quality of water.) 



Where a storage water supply can be developed, the only type of 

 sanitary facility that should be considered is the modern flush toilet with 

 a cesspool,- if the subsoil is of sand and gravel, or the septic tank and 

 drainage system if the subsoil is of clay or limestone formation. 



In the majority of reservations the use of modern sanitary appliances 

 is not generally possible and resort must be had to various other devices 

 of disposing of human waste. (For a discussion and examples of the various 

 types of toilets that may be used see Chapter XVI, "Park Sanitation.") 



Beyond the provisions for opening up the reservation and for funda- 

 mental comfort facilities is a wide range of facilities all designed to aid the 

 people in the better use of their time and of the opportunities for recreation 

 which the reservation affords. Among these may be enumerated: 



i. Picnic places. There should be many of these, for this is one of 

 the widest services which the reservation provides. The picnic places 

 should be cleared of underbrush and debris, well drained if on low ground, 



