ADDRESS, GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON RECREATION

AND PARKS

BALTIMORE
April 14, 1962

It is a distinct pleasure for me to be here today at this eleventh
annual Governor's Conference on Recreation and Parks. As you
know, I have always been an enthusiastic supporter of the State's
park and recreational programs.

Leisure-time activities have grown by leaps and bounds, both here
in Maryland and throughout the nation, in the 11 short years that
have passed since the very first of these conferences was held in
historic Annapolis. During the past decade we have experienced a
tremendous resurgence of interest in our recreational facilities; a re-
surgence born of shorter hours, longer vocation, long weekends and a
greater willingness generally to spend money on pleasure-oriented
activites. To our way of thinking, these are healthy indications. They
prove that our Maryland citizens are putting into practice the wis-
dom handed down by the ancients—that is, a sound body is the tem-
ple of a sound mind. We have a serious obligation to promote and
further encourage this philosophy. For without it we cannot have a
truly healthy society.

There is another reason for fostering outdoor recreation here in
Maryland. That reason is its importance, both socially and econom-
ically. We are all aware that tourism today is one of our major
assets. Each year, more and more tourists visit Maryland, spending
their money with us. Thus they help our local economy and increase
the income of our people. We believe, therefore, that it is our duty
to do all in our power to exploit this economic potential, especially
through our parks and recreational areas.

Both tourism and the increased awareness of our citizens about the
State's facilities are extremely encouraging. But they have caused an
ever-increasing emphasis to be placed on the value and wisdom of
providing adequate parks and outdoor areas. During the past eleven
years we have done our utmost to provide adequate recreational facil-
ities. We have tried, and I think successfully so, to improve present
facilities and acquire newer ones. We have given whatever practical
assistance we could to all phases of our park and recreational pro-
grams. Noting an increase in major recreational activities in the coun-
ties and local communities, I created the position of recreation spe-

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