Forest Preserves 



By CHAS. H WACKER 

 Chairman, Chicago Plan Commission 



HAS there ever been a real baby who, if given the 

 choice between a horse and a doll, has not grabbed 

 for the horse? Does not every boy beg for a 

 "horsey" long before he knows what it means to ride or 

 drive one? Are there any children, or have there ever 

 been any, who have not craved to ride or own a pony? 

 What child or grown-up has not gleaned beneficial human- 

 itarian lessons from "Black Beauty"? 



If the horse coidd talk he would tell us, and he could 

 sincerely do so, that we have failed to appreciate fully his 

 intelligence, his loyalty, the health-giving and thrilling 

 pleasures he has helped us enjoy, and his willingness to 

 serve unto death. He would tell us that all he asks in 

 return is a kind word; humane treatment while in service 

 and the same consideration after he has exhausted his 

 physical strength at the behest of man. He could remind 

 us of the very important part he has played in the making 

 of history, not only on the battlefield, but also in the 

 economic field, where his service has been and still is 

 invaluable. 



From time immemorial the horse has symbolized 

 strength and faithfulness and his vigor and spirit have 

 been perpetuated by the artists of all ages in statue and 

 monument. However, my subject is not the horse, but 

 Forest Preserves. 



What does the law say in regard to creating forest 

 preserves? 



"Any forest preserve district organized under this Act 

 shall have the power to create forest preserves, and for 

 that purpose shall have power to acquire, in the manner 

 hereinafter provided, and hold lands containing one or 

 more natural forests or parts thereof, for the purpose of 

 protecting and preserving the flora and fauna and scenic 

 beauties within such district, and to protect and preserve 

 such lands as nearly as may be in their natural condition 

 for the purpose of the education, pleasure and recreation 

 of the public." 



We do not yet fully realize that no city in the world has 

 greater potentialities than the City of Chicago with its 

 beautiful lake-front setting and its wonderful forest pre- 

 serves encircling the entire city and that it can be made, 

 not only the most beautiful, attractive and prosperous city 

 on this continent, but also — owing to its wonderfully 

 strategic position at the head of the great Mississippi Val- 

 ley — the greatest metropolis of the country, if not of the 

 world. 



We must never lose sight of the fact that in these times, 

 particularly in urban centers where the physique of man 

 has so seriously deteriorated, everything within reason 

 must be done, and done soon, to give people more light, 

 more air and more playgrounds. The acquisition of the 

 forest preserves in Cook County is a signal forward move- 

 ment in supplying a medium for healthful recreation. 



The park, boulevard and forest preserve systems of 

 Chicago offer a splendid opportunity for the development 

 and extension of bridle paths, convenient and accessible 

 to every section of the city. Wherever possible bridle 

 paths should connect the park systems of the city, as well 

 as the park systems with the forest preserves. 



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