As an incidental result of the city plan, attention is called to the value of the non-traffic streets as playgrounds. The problem of playgrounds is regarded as one of great moment, and many cities are preparing to spend considerable money for establishing playgrounds. It is important, however, that such areas should be near the residences of those who use them. Playgrounds at a distance, however attractively laid out and equipped, can be of only spasmodic usefulness. On this account the traffic streets continue to be used largely in all cities.
Children are put in peril, pedestrians are annoyed and imperiled, and traffic is disturbed.
With the excitable foreign populations that throng the congested districts of our cities, injury to a child by a street-car often provokes a local riot. As only the sides of the houses touch on them, no serious inconvenience will be felt by the residents, and the termini of each area can be closed by stout wire netting, so that those outside will not be in peril. These two areas will be sufficient for the needs of the residents of the block. The non- traffic street on which the houses face would be reserved for quiet recreation, especially for very young children. No playing would be allowed on the regular traffic streets.