National Park Service A Study of the Park and Recreation Problem of the United States

THE POPULATION is predominantly rural and unevenly distributed. Forty-two percent of the people live in the eastern one-sixth of the State and about one-half of them are urban dwellers. The arid western half of the State contains only 16 percent of the population. The Negroes comprise about 3-1/2 percent of the population and are concentrated largely in Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka.

Kansas contains few areas with outstanding natural characteristics; the southeastern Black Jack Country is a notable exception. Federal holdings consist of a few land utilization projects and demonstration project areas administered by the Soil Conservation Service and three Indian reservations. There are some 20 State parks and recreation areas scattered throughout the State and 19 of the counties have acquired recreational lands, most of which are only partially developed. Virtually all of these contain a body of water.

The recreation plan should be based largely upon population distribution, climatic conditions and the need for preserving historic and archeologic sites. Water is essential, especially in the arid western plains. Although Kansas is not a "tourist" State, consideration might appropriately be given to the economic advantages of providing attractive accommodations since the State lies in the path of most of the east-west tourist traffic.

There should be a well-rounded system of State recreation areas to serve primarily the holiday, week-end, and vacation needs. Urban and rural communities should supplement the system by providing local day use facilities within comparatively short distances from where the people live.

(click on image for an enlargement in a new window)