Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-11

resorts for the people. Is the making
available of the neglected section Dor
dering the river west Of the Washington
Monument. For the first time since the
city was founded direct access for the
public is now possible to the banks of the
Potomac. Prior to the laying cut as
park OF this stretch of ground, which Is
really a continuation OF the Mall. the
only way to see the river and get on Its
borders was to 60 outside of the city.
Water Front Now Available.
The section Of the river front west of
Rock creek has always been occupied
with docks and wharves South of Rock
creek and within the original bounds of
the city the water front as far south as
the old Long bridge was taken UP in
part by wharves. But the larger portion
came within the range of what was
known as the Potomac flats. desolate
stretch of swamp Orergrown with under
brush. From the site of the old bridge
south along the river is the section bor-
dering on the Washington channel OF the
river, which now, as in the past, is given
up to wharf uses and accommodates
large proportion of the business Of the
river traffic.
AS for the section between the new
highway and railway bridges and the foot
of 9th street and also including the point
of land that lies between the Washington
and the Virginia channels and extending
as far south as old Greenleaf's point, it
is in course of being made available for
the use and enjoyment Of the public. A
portion OF the splendid improvement is
SO far completed that it is already being
enjoyed by an increasing number of the
citizens Of Washington. This is especially
the case during the heated term. for if
there are anywhere in this locality cool
currents of air they are to be found
coming from the broad surface of the
river as 1t flows past the CITY.
Green, Shaded River Banks.
For more than mile a driveway as we'll
as walks border the banks of the river
from about the foot of oath street to the
new bridges. Smooth stretches OF turf
reach down to the stone walls that border
the river and the spreading branches of
great trees furnish grateful shade and
protection from the sun. Here seated on
the grass the citizen can enjoy not only
the view of the water and the interesting
scenes of life on a great river, but also
he refreshed by the change in the air
which is easily noticeable as compared
with that which comes from the asphalt
streets of the city.
In addition to the river there is also
within the area of the section the eXpanse
OF water known as the tidal basin. where
boating can be enjoyed and also fishing
In the same locality is the public bath
ing beach. When this park is completed
it will include about eco acres. A large
section is already available and the ma
cadamized driveways give access to every
part, and as they wind their way through
the lawns adorned with shruhbery. and
soon also to be shaded by trees. the
beauty OF the place makes the first i'm
preston and then comes the feeling of
gratitude that it is all for the use and
enjoyment OF the public.
Where the People Go.
Potomac Park has already become
favorite resort for people who can afford
to keep carriages and automobiles. al
though 1t is only within the past year or
so that the work has advanced far enough
to make 1t available for general use.