Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-02

plans of Col John Biddle. secretary Of the
board of control In charge of Rock Creek
Park do not contemplate any changes
within the reservation for the present. In
an interview with a representative OF The
Star. Col. Biddle stated that he believes
for the present the park should be left
just as it IS. and that no more macadam
roads be built within its confines for sew
eral years at least.
Col Biddle is. of the opinion that there
is sufficient macadam roadway in the park
now and that the present dirt roads should
be kept just as they are since they are
good driveways in good weather, and in
the rainy season the dirt roads need not be
used. The dirt roads are also appreciated
by the horseback riders. Some of the old
wood roads win be cleared of brushwood
and fallen trees and all the bridges viii be
kept in good condition, and perhaps few
new walks will be provided along the banks
of the creek.
1t is proposed to carefully protect the
banks OF the creek from caving in, and
also to see that none of~the trees along the
banks of the stream are injured by the wash
of waters at the roots Within a short time
It is hoped two or three rustic shelters viii
be constructed In the vicinity of Pierce
Mill dam. All the macadam driveways In
the park will be thoroughly sprinIled so
as to keep down any dust that might arise
during the hot weather.
Col. Biddle's final plans In connection
with Rock Creek Park contemplate the pur-
chase of several plots of land which are
now owned by private parties between the
line of Rock Creek Park and 18th street
extended. BY the addition of several plots
of land on the eastern edge of the park,
10Th street Will then form straight boun-
Diary for the reservation. This land will
probably not be purchased until 10th street
extended is improved, when 1t Is hoped tnat
thoroughfare will be maintained as fine
boulevard.
= X
Near the Brightwcod reservoir and out
side the limits OF the park there is level
plateau containing about sixty acres, which
Col Biddle hopes may be purchased at
some future time and made Into sort OF
modern park, with restaurant where re-
freshments may be served. and with several
athletic grounds for such games as tennis,
base ball. etc. This modern park. II is
proposed. viii be a part of Rock Creek Park.
but il will be entirely separate and dis
tinct from the wild part of the reservation:
Col Bidde believes that the plateau VIII
make a splendid place for a small athietic
mark as il is located only about block
from the proposed 14th street car line ex-
tension.
It is also desired that the District shall
ACQUIRE land around the park TO be used for
streets so that no houses can BIO built close
to the park lines. The District Will also
probably purchase the valley OF Piney
branch near the park. which VIII make
another entrance to the reservation. When
the park officials have sufficient funds they
will likely authorize the continuation OF the
driveway south along the creek to Massa-
chusetts avenue or probably to Q street,
the land for this extension having been do
mated to the park by Mr.. c. C. Glover. The
completion of this driveway will give anoth-
er entrance to the park either at Massa-
chusetts avenue or Q street.
If it is deemed advisable the park will
probably be stocked later on with pleas
ants ducks swans and perhaps other spe-
cies of the feathered families. and every
effort will be made to encourage animal
life within the reservation