Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-06
ADD LAND TO PARK
Assessor Richards Proposes
Rock Creek Enlargement.
NATURAL BEAUTY MARRIED
Private Property Encroaches on
Drives in the Valley.
OUTLAY NOT SERIOUS ONE
Estimated That 100000 Will Buy
Land Necessary to Straighten
East and West Lines.
OUTLAY NOT SERIOUS ONE

To straighten the boundaries of Rock
Greek Park by the purchase of 100000
worth of land lying adjacent to the pres
ent devious outline of the reservation,
William p Richards. assessor of the Dis
trict of Columbia. has prepared written
suggestions which today are being con-
sidered by Commissioner Rudolph. to be
later transmitted to the entire board.
The report from Mr.. Richards contains
comments and suggestions concerning the
treatment of parks in general, but the
specific recommendation concerns the
Strengthening out of the boundaries. pr1n-
cipally east and west. and the purchase
of many little parcels of real estate. The
report says:
1.-THE unfortunate restriction Of the park
width below Blagden Mill road forced the
boundary to encroach upon the creek
banks so that the city, as it extends, will
break into the secluded and wild scenery
that is such an asset to the present enjoy
ment of the park. With such prospects
in sight it seems vain to preserve rugged
conditions which are intended to give re-
lief and relaxation from city surround
ings.
Where Boundaries Encroach.
result if present conditions prevail, let us
begin at the south boundary of the park
and follow the creek drive northward. At
the outset we will find the west boundary
within a stones throw of the creek, and
that a very beautiful piece of landscape
just north of the klingle road and west
Of the creek is private property, although
it appears to be part of the park. When
buildings are placed on it they will be
easily seen from the creek drive, and as
the boundary at this point passes over
low ground it will be impossible to hide
the Improvements by planting trees and
vines.
Again on the east side of the creek
few hundred feet above the Klingle road
part of the wooded slope is private prop
erty, and would be badly disfgured by
passing north of the mouth OF P1ney
Branch the boundaries are far enough
from the creek to afford secluslon until
we come in sight Of the bridge at Pierce
mill. Here on the west SIDE OF the creek
the boundary passes directly through
beautiful meadow, dividing itin half, and
building operations are now going on III
plain view from the creek drive. AT the
mouth of Broad branch conditions are
still more unfortunate. person stand
ing on the bridge at this point can hold
the end of a hundred-foot line and toss
the other end into private property. All
of the high bank south of the Broad
Branch road can be changed In character
at the will of the owner. Passing further
along the creek we come to the former
location Of Blagden mill.
ut is place Of exceptional beauty
without an artificial feature In sight, ana
vet the hillside that can be seen to the
south is partly private property.
Conditions Are Ideal.
From this last place we can pass north
ward along the creek for the distance of a
mile and find the conditions IDEAL The
boundaries on either side are so far from
the creek and SO well located as TO
guarantee seclusion for all time. The
locality conveys the sensation of great
distance from urban conditions and this
is the idea that should apply to the val
lev drives Just below the Military road
private property may be easily seen from
the creek drive, one tract having small
dwelling in plain view.
..The purchase of a few acres will REM
edy the conditions in this case. From
the Military road limit of the park there
is little need of any change or additioh,
but at the north boundary complete
Heterogeneous of its lines seems neces-
sary and here land can be purchased
more cheaply than elsewhere, SO that
hundred acres could be added with profit
To the park The cost will be approx
mately $500 900. The park cost 81 100000
twenty years ago and has doubled i'm
value since. This new expense VIII add
hut one-eighth to the above value, while
the good to be accomplished. it Is be-
lieved, will add 4 much greater per cent
to it's real value