The evening herald. (Klamath Falls, Or.) 1906-1942, 1914-11-23
iCRiIC PARKS AND BUILDINGS

iNNE OF the gratifying results OF
~ the general civic awakening
|lthrouEhout the country In rcccn;
years Is the Importance nov given te
public parks. Playground and open
spaces. where the people may not
only breathe pure air. but enjoy the
beauties OF nature and air combined,
SRny cities now point TO their parks
and boulevard systems as their chief
attraetions-
/ Formerly ths notion prevailed thai
only the big cities needed parks and
Fairgrounds. but today the town Is
behind the times II IL Is
not making some effort to create
parks and beauty spots" within Its
boundaries. While abundant fresh
air Is one OF the blessings Of the
country and small country town.
laees for public gatherings and recre-
alton are needed in the country a.
well as In the city.
4 The American people are coming to
realize that some recreation and play
are requisites for health and happ.-
ness in both country and city. In the
past country life has been too much
OF a life Of hard work and drugery.
With little or NO rest or recreation be-
tween This. no doubt. has been one
Of the reasons Why country boys and
girls left the farm and sought the big
city. where there was at least some
diversion from the daily grind Of
earning the bread and butter neces-
sary to sustain life.
To check the drift Of population
from the country and country towns
to the large cities. life in the country
must be made more desirable and at
traetive than II has been In years
past. To this end plans for the i'm
provement Of the sanitary conditions
and the Identification Of environ
ments must be worked out
There must bs aroused q more
widespread interest in the general
upbuilding Of the country town and
the surrounding rural districts. and
in the establishment and maintenance
OF institutions that will not only
check migration to the large cities,
but attract city people to the country.
Make country life what II should
be. the most desirable and comfort
able. and people will begin To shun
the tenements and aats of the over
crowded cities and seek homes In the
country or suburban towns. Thus
may the problem of consisted popu-
lation in our large cities be gradu-
ally solved. and serious threatened
dangers to our republic surely evaded.
One OF tho means Of adding to the
Of country life II
through the development of public |
parks and the erection OF substantial,
modern public buildings. Wherever !
some progress has been made along !
this line Of beautincation and public
Improvement. tho people are not slow
10 appreciate the value Of such work.
both for themselves and a. a means of \
attracting visitors and permanent
bomsmakers.
In towns where matters OF this
kind have heretofore been neglected,
is sometimes uphill work" to be-
I'm. A few public-spirited men and /
women must be organized to awaken
public sentiment along this line, and
,et the work started.
Once begun. the people soon com
nence to see its worth and appreciate
he advantages thereof; they soon
earn that parks are not only valu-
BILE civic assets. but that every open,
rec breathing space" provided for
be people helps TO keep them In good
eaith and more bouyant spirits.
'eauty. 70 far as II refers 10 natures
utdoors. u more than skin deep. for
touches both the heart and mind.
nd it, bsnifesnt influence IL beyond
omputs.
The development Of parks and the
Improvement OF public buildings fOs-
" general improvement Of the town.
nd leads 70 the beautia0tisn Of