The Washington herald., 1909-07-22

tum from day TO day, suggestions for the
development OF the plan are becoming
more and more prominent. They come
from all classes Of citizens.
The popularity Of the movement is at
tested by the fact that many citizens are
taking a personal interest IN its success.
Some say that no campaign OF recent
years promises as much for the city.
All declare that Rock Creek park be-
longs to the people, and that now is the
time 70 take authoritative action which
will give the public possession IN fact as
well as in name. In all the plans Of
fered there Is a unanimity of thought
which shows # viii not be difficult TO
make the campaign harmonious.
Two Plans Advocated.
Two plans advanced by The Washing
ton Herald. the institution Of band con-
certs and the establishment OF bathing
pool beyond the Klingle Ford road, have
met with cordial support with the pub
lie, and with approval by the Commis-
sioners. When the work OF developing
Rock Greek park as resort for the
public opens. II is probable that both Of
these suggestions will form an integral
part Of the plan.
The establishment OF bus and stage
lines in the park, running north and
south. Is one Of the many temporary
measures suggested 20 make Rock Creek
moro accessible.
Engineer Commissioner Judson declared
yesterday that he has already given con-
slderation 10 the question, being guided
by the example Of the stages now operat-
ing in Central Park. New York City. He
has ordered that work be commenced at
once on the construction Of a roadway
| between Military road and Beach drive
I way.
Commissioner Macfarland believes a
bus line might be successfully operated
/ between the Georgia avenue line OF the
/ Washington Railway and Electric Com
/ pany az Brightwood along the Military
road 20 the Chevy Chase line Of the Cap
/ tal Traction Company. II IS belieyed
! that some definite action along these lines
will soon be taken.
| The Commissioners are receiving many
! suggestions from citizens. showing thar
| the opening OF Rock Creek Park has
/ taken a strong hold upon the public.
| c. E Parker advocates that the park
/ be popularized by distributing benches
I
paths for pedestrians. &c. He has written
TO The Washington Herald as follows:
Urges More FOOtDathB.
In the present agitation for making
Rock Creek Park more accessible for resi-
/ dents OF the city who have not the use OF
/ automobiles OF horses. the writer has
failed to see mentioned a phase Of the
! subject which Is Immediately apparent 20
any person visiting the park on foot
THAT Is the scanty provision made for
pedestrians The park is a beautiful drive
and deservedly popular with horsemen
and those having vehicles. but Tor lack
OF footpaths and seats most visitors on
foot are practically compelled 10 follow
( the rOadways. The necessity Of con-
stantly smelling benzine and doging mo-
tors is not conducive to the enjoyment OF
nature. and II the park is TO be popular
lied some Improvement should be made
In this direction"
w. II. LOnder. assistant secretary Of
the Mount Vernon Anti-Fee Association,
| strongly indOrses the movement and
/ promises the support OF that organization
70 The Washington Herald in pushing Ia
campaign.
The interest Of the children IN the de-
velopment Of Rock Creek Park as a
resort for all the people OF the Capital
was set forth yesterday by Judge W. II.
De Lacy Of the Juvenile Court He is
enthusiastic over the project for opening
up the beautiful resort
1T is high time" he said, "that Wash
ington realizes what splendid reserva-
tion It possesses in Rock Creek Park. It
Is one of the most beautiful parks in the
country. Yet this fact avails little unless
II is given over to the public. It must
not be allowed TO lie idle. II must be
put 10 use
The poor OF Washington know moth
ing Of Rock Creek Park. It would be
a boon If it were opened up for them
There would be a distinct social and
economic advantage in making Il the
gathering point for them all. 1t would
be one of the greatest forces for i'm
provement Of conditions that I could
name The time is surely not far dis
tant when the citizens Of Washington
viii recognize the anomaly OF possessing
one OF the great parks OF the world, and
yet having II so remote and inaccessible
that comparatively few gain the benefit
OF its influence and inspiration
Given 10 the Public.
mot only must Rock Greek Park be
given over to the public. but the news
must be carried into all the highways
and byways The alleys must be told
that this park is for them. Their inter
est must be aroused. Cheap transporta-
ton must be given them, and every
means taken to make Rock Greek a vita
park OF their lives.
THE park has lain dormant too long
. ] Inc
to the public should be pressed with
vigor. There can be no opposition 10 it
and it should not be allowed 10 languisl
, for lack of interest. The people OF Wash
ington should be given full interest il
this beautiful resort"
Rev C. c. Bratenahi pastor Of St Al
, bans, believes Rock Creek Park should
be pOpularized as quickly as possible.
There is no doubt that any investmen
made In Rock Creek FOR the benefit oi
the public will result in big dividends,
he said. Nothing appeals TO me mOr'
, strongly than the dedication OF grea
temple Of Nature for all the people. i
Is curious 10 note how little Washington
really knows of the park. The explana
ton seems to be that transportation ha!
. never been adequately developed. This
I condition Of affairs should be remedieC
as soon as possible"
John r. Young, clerk Of the Supreme
? Court Of the District. is unqualihedly IL
! favor OF the movement instituted by Th'
. Washington Herald 10 popularize Rocl
Creek park. Certainly, ] am in favor o
that splendid movement and will dt
everything I can TO help 1t along. o
what good is a public park anyway, II I
cannot be patronized by those for whom
it is intended on account Of its inacces
sibTity As the park stands now, It y
mostly used by people who own horses
carriages. end automobiles: the poOr peO