Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03
Annual Report of the Commissioners of the District
sewer and water facilities to which they
are entitled.
: Rock Creek Park.

sewer and water facilities to which they
are entitled.
Rock Creek Park.
The appropriation for Rock Creek Park
for the year was $4,000. This sum did
not permit Of any extensive Improvements.
but about twelve miles Of bride paths
were constructed, and the existing mac
adam roads were repaired. sprinkled and
maintained. Work was begun on a con-
crete arch on Ross road. to take the
place of an old rustic trestle which had
been constructed by the chain gang for
temporary use.
That this park is being greatly used by
the pubic was demonstrated by a count
made OF vehicles. equestrians and pedes-
Trans The park is used more by persons
driving than by pedestrians. The reason
ior TINS is that no car line runs directly
10 the park limits. and it's beauty is not
FULLY appreciated. Efforts are being made
to attract the general public by the con-
struction of paths for the exclusive use
OF pedestrians, similar to those already
constructed for horseback riders, and
shelters will also be provided
new approach from 18th street along
Pfney branch to the park boundary was
acquired by condemnation proceedings
This Will make fine entrance from 10th
street, which is the boulevard leading to
lHc park AuOItlOual IanQ TOT park pur-
poses along Massachusetts avenue and be-
tween the eastern boundary and the west
ern limits of 10th street; for which bills
were introduced in the last Congress,
should be acquired before the land rises
so in value as to make its purchase pro-
hibitive.
In line with the efforts of the board Of
control of Rock Creek Park to increase
the popularity of the park is the construc-
ton Of golf course at the eastern edge
of the park, about opposite Brightwood.
A course of nine holes has been about
completed. and it is the intention to en-
large the course to eighteen holes. The
work is being done by the chain gang.
which makes its cost very small. The
course selected Is believed to be a good
one, and the only work necessary was
clearing. blowing. a small amount of grad
ing. and the sowing Of cowpeas and
grass. No appropriation Is available for
the construction of clubhouse, and 1t Is
the intention that such a house be con-
structed on adjacent private grounds at
private expense. Legislation is asked of
Congress to establish schedule of fees
for the use of the course. such fees to be
nominal, and only sufficient to pay for
the services of the necessary caretakers.
Such golf courses exist in other cities and
are very popular. An increase is also
asked to the general appropriation for the
care of the park. though this increase Is
apparent only. as 1t Is estimated that
nearly the amount of the increase asked
will be returned in fees.
The Commissioners again invite atten-
ton to the desirability Of extending the
park system in the built-up portions of
the District similar to that existing with
In the city limits. Certain portions of the
District which are practically parts Of the
city. but which lie outside Of the old city
boundary, have been built up without
provision being made for parks. On &C
count of the value Of the land it would be
an expensive measure to provide parks
in such sections at this time. but it Is be-
lieved that in the newer sections parks
should be purchased or condemned be-
fore the property is built upon. The
beauty of the city Of Washington is de-
pendent to a great extent upon it's trees
and parks. and the present admirable sys-
TEN Of parks within the city limits should
be extended throughout the District This
should be done in a systematic manner.
The Commissioners recommend the
transfer to their jurisdiction of the sys-
tenn Of parks in the city Of Washington,
exclusive of the grounds around the
White House and the government build
ings. Jurisdiction over these parks is
now placed by law under the chief OF
engineers of the United states Army, and
the Commissioners recommend either that
the entire control be transferred to them
or that board OF control, such as tha1
which has charge OF Rock Creek Park,
consisting Of the Commissioners of the
District Of Columbia and the chief of
engineers Of the United States Army, be
given entire control of the park system.
with the exceptions above noted.
The cost of maintaining these parks is
shared by the citizens of the District of
Columbia. and it seems but proper that
the Commissioners, who are the executive
authorities of the District, and RESPONSE
BILE for the collection and disbursement of
money for municipal purposes. should
have charge of the parks as well as other
establishments. Under the pres
ent arrangement Congress appropriates
money for the maintenance of these parks,
one-half of which Is charged against the
citizens of the District of Columbia, and
the Commissioners have no opportunity to
make any recommendations as to such
expenditures. although. in preparing their
own estimates, they must take into con-
sideration the amount of the revenues
and provide for expenditures justified by
such revenues. II the control of the parks
were under the Commissioners their i'm
provement could be considered in connec-
ton with other public improvements and
the parks given their relative share Of
money available.
Very respectfully,
HENRY B. F. MCFARLAND,
HENRY L. WEST.
JAY J. MORROW,
Commissioners Of the District of Column