8o8 PARKS 



tunately and too frequently the actual intensity and uniformity of the 

 illumination of public grounds is based upon the ability of the adminis- 

 trative department to provide funds for installation and maintenance. 



In the case of the Minneapolis park system, it is assumed that suffi- 

 cient funds will in due time be made available for a proper and adequate 

 installation, and careful consideration as to the benefits to be derived has 

 formed the basis of the intensity of illumination to be desired and the 

 consequent cost of maintenance. 



Benefits. The benefits of adequate illumination are assumed as follows: 



1. Light is a most efficient policeman. If the large recreational areas 

 under the administration of the board are to be open for public use at 

 night, they must be properly policed. The cost of the prevention of crime 

 and disorderly conduct will be much reduced and the efficiency of the 

 police service much increased if these recreation areas are properly 

 illuminated. 



2. Light provides safety to vehicles and pedestrians alike. The park- 

 way system is a part of the major highway system of the city, providing 

 in many instances the shortest and least congested route between all the 

 outlying parts of the city and from the Lake District to the business district. 



The paving of the parkways has greatly increased their use for all 

 light and passenger traffic, the roadways often being used to capacity dur- 

 ing summer evenings. Safety to this growing traffic and to the pedestrians 

 traversing or crossing the boulevards can only be assured with adequate 

 illumination. At the present time the boulevards are more poorly lighted 

 than our residential streets. 



3. Light will increase the periods of service and the intensity of use 

 of all the parkways and recreational areas. These areas developed at large 

 expense can now be used only during the hours of daylight. Adequate 

 illumination will extend this period of service and accommodate the people 

 during their leisure hours, thus giving a greater return on the investment. 



4. Light will add to the attractiveness of the park system. Not the 

 least of the reasons for the development of the park system has been the 

 desire to beautify the city, and the appearance of the park areas under 

 illumination will add to this asset. 



Specifically adequate illumination will discourage disorderly conduct, 

 will give safety from stumbling, collision, attack and burglary; will permit 

 recognition of people and objects; will add to the sense of security and 

 enhance the appearance of the public grounds. 



Current and distribution. Contemplating a modern electric lighting 

 system for the park areas, we find that electric current can be furnished to 

 the city at reasonable rates by the local utility company, and that it can 



