Plate II G-l -»> DAMS AND POOLS Palmetto State Park, Texas Mohawk Metropolitan Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma MINOR NATURALISTIC WATERFALLS Here are shown some rock arrangements purposed to simulate small natural waterfalls. In a sense, small dams are structural accessories before the fact, and the visible rock sculpturings are aesthetic accessories after the fact, of a created little pool and flow of water. Nature has been a good teacher in the examples shown, for the fact of artificiality is cleverly hidden. Minor dams, naturalized to look like waterfalls, and trail steps are probably the only elements in the development of a natural area to suffer human use which can make successful pretense at being Nature's handiwork. Pittsficlcl State Forest Park, Massachusetts Piatt National Park Piatt National Park 121
DAMS AND POOLS <«- Plate II G-2 Turner Falls Stale Park, Oklahoma October Mountain State Park, Adassachusetts NATURALISTIC WATERFALLS The large illustration above shows outstanding accomplishment in bringing the aspect of naturalness to a large dam. Varying flow, irregular plan, distribution of the rocks all contribute to the success of this man-made waterfall. Levi Carter Metropolitan Park, Omaha, jyebraska At lower left is proof that the spillway of an earth dam need not invariably be an expanse of inharmonious concrete or stone pavement. At lower right picturesqueness is given to a precipitous rush of water by the skillful suggestion of rock ledges. 122
Plate II G-3 V» DAMS AND POOLS Naturalized Darn, Boyle Metropolitan Park, Little Rock, Arkansas "tsljj l*fo. Boyle Metropolitan Park, Little Rock, Arkansas Particularly interesting in these three pictures of the same man-made waterfall are the seasonally varying volume of water recorded, and the changing appearance that results. The large illustration must show nearly normal volume and is featured by a pleasing distribution of active flow of water Boyle Metropolitan Park, Little Rock, Arkansas between well-massed rock forms. At lower left low water stage is evidenced, at which time the rocks forming the dam serve as stepping stones for crossing the stream. At lower right is flood stage, the rock forms being almost completely hidden beneath the rush of water. 123
DAMS AND POOLS m Plate II G-4 All subjects on this page represent the swimming pool of modest size created by the construction of a dam which foregoes the imitation of a waterfall but does not altogether sacrifice what we refer to as park character. In this example the pool has a naturalistic outline, and the exposed stone surfaces of the dam have an agreeably rustic texture. The rocks placed below the spillway bring a hint of Nature up to the base of the dam and by association invest the dam itself with natural quality. Dam and Pool, Hot Springs National Park Here is presented not just an attractive swimmingpool but photographic evidence in support of the contention that an artificial body of water never adds to, usually detracts from, natural beauty present. The recreational value of a pool for swimming is not to be gainsaid, but the appropriateness of its intruding to the base of a fine natural waterfall to a diminution of scenic beauty may properly be challenged. Dam and Pool, Enfield Glen State Park, New York This pool pays Paul without robbing Peter, by adding recreational value where scenic value hardly constitutes a claim. It has a bottom of concrete and shore line and dam of stone. The stone is employed in a masonry typical of the Chicago metropolitan area. The artificiality of the facility is softened to a considerable extent by the informality of the pleasing sweeping curves of the shore line and bordering steps. Dam and Pool, Cook County Forest Preserve District, Illinois 124
Plate II G-5 -»> DAMS AND POOLS Swimming Pool, Grand Canyon National Park This artificial swimming pool with its naturalistically fabricated rocky banks occurs at Phantom Ranch, deep down in the Grand Canyon. It must present a welcome sight and serve a useful purpose after the difficult descent of the canyon wall by horse trail. The casual appearance of the boulder-strewn banks of this pool is by no means casually arrived at, as those who have tackled any similar problem will be quick to testify. 125
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