Since federal help for the creation and further development of recreation areas
became available through the Emergency Conservation Work Program begun in 1933,
it has become obvious that there is a very definite factor in the park and
recreation movement which may be called park conscious.
In some sections of the country, as in Minnesota, the public makes avid use of
such outdoor recreational facilities as have been provided.
And this very publicly expressed enthusiasm inevitably results in a more
rapid development of park systems.
Indeed, the development of parks may be said to be in direct ratio to their use.
It is estimated that nearly a quarter million people visit eight of the principal
Minnesota State Parks during the three months
which constitute each summer season.
Parks near the large centers of population in which winter sports are possible
are active throughout the 12 months of the year.
[...] more information visit www.fema. gov www.fema.gov The settings are those
which induce complete relaxation and rest, settings in which nature can work her
magic of mental and physical healing.
Parks are a call to the people to rest and play in family groups.
A cure which has been seriously advocated for most of our social difficulties.
Many of our emotions are instinctive. Certainly the thrill that comes
from a boat ride is one of these.
It lasts from childhood to old age.
In state parks in all parts of the country there are simple but adequate
facilities for camping available. Sometimes for small charges, sometimes
for no charge at all.
I will leave the dust of the city street and the noise
of the busy town for the windy moor and the high hills and the peak
stream flowing brown.
I will keep my watch by the campfires where the white cliffs lean to the sea and
dawn shall wake me with golden hands and the rain shall walk with me.
Fishing and golfing are the hobbies of more Americans than are any other
pastimes. To the fishermen, the nationwide conservation and recreation movement
means more places to go, more vacation hopes fulfilled, more happiness.
Protection and propagation of wild life are important parts of the program. Every
living thing, not just game in the popular sense, is considered and development
plans are drawn with this in mind.
In the state parks alone, the Conservation Corps has built or improved more than
300 lakes or ponds. Many of these will be stocked with fish at regular intervals
and those parts, blessed with natural bodies of
water, will be given the same attention.
Minnesota needs few dams to form her glistening boots. Nature made them centuries
ago, and today men go there from all corners of the country to rest and play in
this land of 10,000 lakes.
State's laying the foundation for systems of parks will do well to exert every
effort to so maintain and administer their recreation areas and so educate the
people in their use that to them will come also the happiness of the new leisure,
which is so precious in this land of the sky-colored walk.
Thank you.