Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-10-04

IS is to so locate a park that il shall take
n IN both sides OF Rock creek, not exceed
LIVING 2,0c0 acres in area nor sl. 200 900
"1V in price The work would be easy IL
Rock creek was dsrfectly straight, for then
the park could be laid out on q map with
ruler. As il is, the creek meanders in q most
eccentric way. greatly adding to the beauty OF
the region by its many windings, but at the
same time, increasing the perplexities Of the
men who have been designated TO work out this
problem. The park joins with the Geological
Park at klngle Ford bridge, that the two
parks will form one continuous stretch from
Woodley Lane bridge along the creek, to the Dis
trict line. 1t the intention to continue the park
to the District line, so that the whole of Rock
creek within the District and north OF the city
shall be included in the reservation and thus
pl eserved forever from contamination. The
lower part of the park. the stretch from klingle
Ford bridge TO Broad Branch road and Blsg-
den Mill road, will be about 100 feet wide,
hardly more than q parkway, having the
creek in the center. Between these points
the act prescribes that the width OF
the park shall be not less than 6O0
feet nor more than 1000 feet, Of which not
less than 200 feet shall be on either side of the
creek. Beyond the Blagden Mill road the
commissioners can widen the park at pleasure,
being restricted only by the conditions that the
whole area shall not exceed 1000 acres and
that the land must be on both sides Of the creek
and the understanding that the park must be
continued TO the District line. The natural adj
yantages Of the tract such that il is thought
little will need be expended upon the park 40
first beyond the cost of opening roads. bride
paths and footways. Already there is a found
alton Of a system OF drives and by lengthen-
ing the old ones and cutting lev new ones
the park can be made available at a compara-
lively Insignificant expense.
THE BEAUTY OF The REGION.
The beauty of this whole region is proverbiaL
The creek, with its many windings, miniature
rapids, it's banks now wooded, now rugged with
rocks, the picturesque glens and deep ravines
have tempted many painter 70 try his brush
and inspired many local poet.
No higher testimony to the loneliness Of the
Rock Greek valley can be found than the effect
it has had upon officials whose duty has been
to report upon the park project. IL has lifted
them from the level of statistical facts TO the
exalted region Of poetical description. Major
Michler in the original report made TO the
Senate in ls66 thus discourses:
In no place has nature beer more bountiful
OF her charms than IN the vicinity of this city,
and all can be found near and ACCESSIBLE
the valley of the Rock creek and its tributaries
the Broad and Piney branches and the several
minor rivulets, With the adjoining hills over
looking these beautiful streams present TO the
capital of the nation advantages not 70 be
lightly disregarded in providing park worthy
stltute public resort OF the kind can be found
in this wild and romantic tract of country.
With Its charming drives and walks, its hils
and dales, its pleasant valleys and deep ravines,
Its primeval forests and cultivated fields. its
running waters, its rocks clothed with rich
fern and MOSES, its repose and tranquility, It's
light and shade, its ever-yarying shfubbery, its
beautiful and extensive views, the locality 10
already possessed with all tie features neces-
sary for the object in view. There you can
find nature diversified in almost every hue and
form needing but the taste of the artist aud
the skill of the engineer TO enhance its beauty
and usefulness; gentle pruning and removing
what may be distasteful. improving the roads
and paths and the construction OF new ones
and increasing the already large growth Of
trees and shrubs, deciduous and evergreen, by
adding to them those of other climes and
countries
Capt symons il his report on the subject
last year was equally enthusiastic. He said:
There lies within the District OF Columbia .
region of marvellous natural beauty, region OF
rugged rocks, running water and stately trees;
OF lovely, deep and shady valleys; steep forest
covered slopes and rolling sunny uplands. This
region, yet largely in q state OF nature and
lying Just beyond the present city limits, seems
specially designed by the Creator for the rec
reation grounds OF this large and rapidly grow
ing city, and set deeply in the hearts Of all cit
liens of Washington worthy OF the name 10 the
desire that it may be secured 10 them and all
who come after them for a grand public park.
line reports OF COIulitttte anu tut cpcecut8
made in the Senate and House from the time
of Senator Brown down have all been adorned
with descriptions OF the extraordinary natural
beauty Of the proposed park.
COMPARED WITH oTaER PARKS
The wisdom OF the provision now made for
reserving ample area for park, in view Of
the future growth Of the city, is generally con-
ceded. Still, this addition of q splendid rural
park &c the park of the city ID not extra
ordinary. either in size or probable cost, when
compared with what has been done in other
cities and especially in the great capitals. Lon
don has park area OF q, 900 acres. Boston has
within the last few years added J. so acres 70
her parks. New York recently provided for n
addition Of 500 acres to her park area ct o cost
Of Ss, 500 600. Paris has I72 900 acres of parks,
Vienna 5000, Berlin 5000, Philadelphis 5000,
Chicago 5000 and ST. Louis 1000.
TIE BENEFIT OF RURAL PXRKa
Mr.. Hemphill. in his report on the park bin,
stated some interesting facts concerning rural
parks. "Thers il an impression with some"
be said, "that the civilized world has been
3 Eept by q ruinous rage for parks, but not an
instance 10 known of q park adapted TO provids
rural recre alton that IL not regarded by those
Who are paying for ID as well worth all b has
cost. No city possessed of rural park regrets
its purchase. During the last year New York
city, which has the largest and costiiest exps-
rience Of park-making Of any city In the world,
has been purchasing land for six additional
parks, averaging 600 acres in each area Chi
cago has six rural parks, in each Of which large