RECREATION

Like most Americans, Marylanders have found themselves
in the 1960's with increased amounts of leisure time. With
this development has come an awakened interest in recrea-
tion accompanied by a demand for adequate parks and other
outdoor recreation facilities The importance of Maryland as
a mecca for tourists and others seeking leisure-time activities
is enhanced by the State's proximity to the large urban and
industrial centers of the East Coast. This factor has rendered
tourism and recreation an important ingredient in the econ-
omies of many Maryland communities.

To help meet the demand, Governor Tawes obtained sub-
stantially increased appropriations for land acquisition and
the development of additional state parks. During his first
term, a master plan was prepared to serve as a guide for the
future development of recreation facilities throughout the
State.

ADDRESS, GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON RECREATION

AND PARKS

BALTIMORE
May 1, 1959

Since I became Governor of Maryland only a few months ago, I
have received some highly significant reports regarding the use of
outdoor recreational facilities in our State.

The Department of Forests and Parks tells me that last year there
was a 44 per cent increase over 1957 in the use of Maryland State
park and forest facilities. We had, in 1958, 5, 744, 101 visitors, as com-
pared to a round 4, 000, 000 visitors the year before—an increase of one
and three-quarter million visits. This is encouraging, because it means
that our citizens are putting into practice the maxim of the poet
Juvenal, who said the wise man would ask of heaven no more than
a healthy soul in a healthy body.

Longer vacations, longer weekends—more leisure in general—is the
order of the day, and those of us engaged in the service of the public