NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Park Structures and Facilties

ALTHOUGH perhaps most of the many recreational facilities found in natural parks are with varying frequency let out as concessions, it is elected within this classification to treat only of the concession which dispenses by sale rather than by rental, and purveys to the recreationist food supplies, soft drinks, candies, tobacco, toys, prepared light lunches and meals. After all, it is this usage that comes first to mind at mention of the word, and the curb on verbosity that this limitation insures, while it comes hard for the pen in hand, will be a source of keen satisfaction to readers. A less restrictive interpretation of the word would lead to deadly duplication of the elsewhere dissected bathhouse, boathouse, and other structural media in promotion of active recreation.

Thus the concession building, as here discussed, is actually the corner store, delicatessen, restaurant, or even the hotel (in cases where overnight accommodation is offered), transplanted into the park area for the convenience of the park visitors. It may be some unpedigreed cross combination of two or more of these urban facilities, as it settles itself in adjustment to the demands of the recreation crowd and to its new environment.

If not extensive in size, the concession is very apt to seek association under the same roof with other nonconcession facilities or services, in order that it may be where the crowd is. This is essential to its commercial success, which is quite as necessary in a park environment as in the village. Other park facilities may exist by virtue of subsidy, but the concession is called upon to pay its way.

Since it must be located at the "cross roads" of the park, and must proclaim itself to the public, it cannot be exactly the shy violet among park buildings. It must announce its commercial traffic unmistakably but with subtlety. It is the Jekyll and Hyde among park structures. It is asked to walk in the paths of quiet beauty and of commercial solvency at one and the same time, though these may lead in opposite directions. It is scarcely a wonder that the concession building, successful both as a park structure and as a commercial venture, is not common.

Perhaps the greatest fault to be found with concession buildings on the whole is their lag in attaining the standards urged for park structures generally. There is recent evidence to indicate that this shortcoming is in process of correction. It is hoped that past tendencies to flimsiness, the temporary and ultra-commercial in appearance, are being overcome.

There is a practical need in connection with concession buildings, large and small, that is almost invariably underestimated. This is the space requirement for supplies. The sale of food, soft drinks, and other articles dispensed by the park concession involve not only much garbage and rubbish, but the handling and temporary storage of containers for soft drink and milk bottles, and the like, awaiting collection. These bulk to a space need that is hardly ever correctly foreseen, and eventually force the building of an addition or enclosure to screen the unsightly debris from public view. Because funds for second thoughts are grudgingly given, and because the initial shortage of space leads to a desire for an overabundance, the addition is apt to be of inferior construction and down-at-heel appearance. Practicability is served but quality is depreciated in the process.

Where the nearest overnight accommodations are very distant from the park, it sometimes becomes expedient to provide them within the confines of the park itself. This is often handled as a concession, and is termed a lodge, inn, or guest house. It is not a facility to be promoted in a natural park. Rather is it to be undertaken only when any increasing demand for it cannot longer be resisted. It is a "civilizing" influence that tends to distort the true concept of the natural park and to frustrate the public's basic and prior interest in natural parks safeguarded against the artificial.

Restaurant Concession, Woodlands Lake, Westchester County, New York

In a metropolitan area, but not too urbane for more remote settings, this combination of well-laid stone masonry and stained wane siding is pleasant after much so-called rustic log construction. The boathouse connecting by the covered passage on the plan, repeats the materials.

Plate J-1 (click on image for a PDF version)

Restaurant Concession, Woodlands Lake, Westchester County, New York

Restaurant Concession, Woodlands Lake, Westchester County, New York

Plate J-2 (click on image for a PDF version)

Concession, "Kitchawan Tavern," Bronx River Parkway, New York

This sort of facility has evolved quite logically in connection with recent parkway developments. While it may never become a feature generally of parks remote from metropolitan districts, it is easy to imagine non-typical conditions that might warrant the sponsoring of a building of like functions. The broad restful roof surfaces, the low eaves—among other points of high merit—contribute to the excellent park character of the building.

Plate J-3 (click on image for a PDF version)

Plate J-4 (click on image for a PDF version)

Concession, "Kitchawan Tavern," Bronx River Parkway, New York

Concession, "Kitchawan Tavern," Bronx River Parkway, New York

Concession, "Kitchawan Tavern," Bronx River Parkway, New York

Concession, "Kitchawan Tavern," Bronx River Parkway, New York

Concession, "Duck Hall House," George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Designed to harmonize with the architecture of rebuilt Wakefield, this tea room concession well exemplifies the stylized and more finished structures that have place in parks. The inspiration of Yorktown and Williamsburg, and intelligent adaptation to a problem, are evident. The second floor above the service wing contains three bedrooms and a bathroom. Edward W. Donn, Jr., Architect.

Plate J-5 (click on image for a PDF version)

Concession, "Duck Hall House," George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Concession, "Duck Hall House," George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Concession, Palo Duro State Park, Texas

The difficult problem of a building on the rim of a canyon can only be well met by a low structure, skillfully blended to the character of the canyon wall. There is large measure of successful accomplishment in this example.

Plate J-6 (click on image for a PDF version)

Concession, Palo Duro State Park, Texas

Concession, Palo Duro State Park, Texas

Concession, Palo Duro State Park, Texas

Concession Building, Turner Falls State Park, Oklahoma

The long, low lines and rock walls here echo the contours of surrounding hills and the prevalent outcroppings of rock. The casual, artless masonry could only be truly complemented by a roofing material heavier than was actually used. The doubling of certain shingle courses is in the direction of a proper scale but falls short of being sufficient.

Plate J-7 (click on image for a PDF version)

Concession Building, Turner Falls State Park, Oklahoma

Concession Building, Turner Falls State Park, Oklahoma