13 



From these bounteous provisions of nature we can create an outer f y 3 s t t 1 ^ ctory 

 system of preserves and connecting parkways that will prove pleasing in 

 variety and that will be filled with objects of interest. All this is easily acces- 

 sible by steam and electric roads at low fares. 



These lands should be left in their native state. They should re- f un S t "y es of the 

 ceive no artificial park treatment. Residents of our crowded districts can 

 enjoy the pleasures of camp life there. They can have boating. They can 

 fish. They can bathe and swim. They can pick and eat the nuts and wild 

 fruits. They can gather the flowers of the field and forest. They can see 

 and hear the birds and other forms of wild animal life. They can be close 

 to the heart of nature. They can find rest from their toil, and refreshment 

 for work to come. 



Above all, this outdoor area, when secured, will belong to the masses. p e r °pie ny ° f '' 

 The people will not be trespassers there, and the areas dedicated forever to 

 them and their children will be vaster than any private individual, no matter 

 how rich, could afford to purchase and maintain for private use. 



Formal Organization Recommended. 



So this Commission, representing the entire population of Cook county, Worthy of best 



. . i- thought. 



is committed to a great task, one that will require and deserve in its perform- 

 ance the best thought and most earnest endeavor of all its members. 



To you is committed the work of outlining and securing the necessary Work to be done. 

 legislation for the Outer Park district ; of evolving plans for providing 

 the necessary funds to create and maintain it ; and of doing all other things 

 necessary to provide our city, which seems destined to be the greatest on this 

 continent, with recreation areas commensurate with its needs. 



That we may advance this movement with order and deliberation I Organization, 

 would recommend that the Commission to-day, if its judgment approves, 

 proceed to form a temporary organization with chairman and secretary, and 

 appoint a committee to draft a plan for formal organization, such committee 

 to report at a meeting to be called at an early date by the chairman of the 

 said committee. 



Records of the Commission. 



The official record of the creation of this Commission and of the an- Records pre- 



1 served. 



pomtment of the members thereof, and the data upon which this message 

 was prepared, are preserved for the use of your honorable body. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Henry G. Foreman, 

 President Board of Commissioners of Cook County. 



