Shot 1 / 0:01–0:18Select a shot, or shift-click to select multipleSelect a shot, or double-tap to select multiple

Park Conscious

19387 min 42 sec28 shots

The film says federal assistance became available through the Emergency Conservation Work Program, begun in 1933, to create and expand recreation areas, encouraging a public attitude called “park consciousness.” In Minnesota, nearly a quarter-million people are said to visit eight principal state parks during the three-month summer season, while parks near population centers can remain active all year when winter sports are available. Scenes of lakes, forests, roads, docks, and bridges show the settings and facilities open to visitors. People picnic, swim, ride in boats, walk wooded paths, camp, fish, and gather in groups as parks are described as places for rest, mental and physical renewal, and family recreation.

Simple campsites are available for little or no charge, and fishing receives particular attention as a widely enjoyed pastime. Protection and propagation of wildlife are described as part of the conservation program, which considers all living things rather than only game animals. The film reports that the conservation corps built or improved more than 300 lakes and ponds in state parks and explains that many waters would be stocked with fish regularly. Closing advice urges states to maintain their parks, teach the public how to use them, and make recreation available to more people.

Provenance and rights

Original producer: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Collection: Prelinger Archives
Original title: Park Conscious
Date: 1938
Original link: Open on Internet Archive
Rights: public_domain