Evening star., 1917-09-12
SEEKS BIGGER FUND
FOR R0UTD00R SPORT
Col. Harts, in Annual Report,
Urges Increase in D. c. Rec
reationaI Facilities.
OTHER INTERESTS NOTED

An appeal for more liberal appropria-
tions for outdoor sports and pastlmes
and recreational facilities in the public
parks of the District is feature of the
annual report of Col. William w. Harts,
the engineer officer in charge of public
buildings and grounds, who is about to
relinquish that Office in order to engage
in active military operations in the field.
There are now in use in the public parks
thirteen base ball diamonds. forty-two
tennis courts one croquet court, one prac-
tce golf course, one hockey field. two
polo fields, one soccer ball field, one
cricket field, one hurting field, one pole
vault and high jump and one broad Jump.
These facilities were all maintained in
good playing condition during suitable
weather throughout their respective play
ing seasons.
Benefits Large Number.
"The popularity of these recreational
facilities" Col. Harts says, 'is manifested
by the large number of persons using
them, Notwithstanding the fact that on
account of war conditions mary OF those
accustomed to do SO have not been able
to enjoy them this summer. This office
has been glad to cooperate in every prac-
bic way with the general desire to fur
nish means of interesting and beneficial
entertainment for those connected with
the military service of the country. par
teulaTy the soldiers grounds wfs says ons
such limited restrictions as are neces-
sary for efficient administration.
During the month OF June. 1917. the
following special permits were issued:
''Tennis-Potomac Park, T79; Henry
Park, 544; Montrose Park, IS, and Gar
field Park, 10.
"Golf-Potomac Park. 80.
'Cricket-Potomac Park. /.
'Croquet-Montrose Park, 3. Base ball,
33 permits.
THE use of the base ball diamonds
was necessarily restricted by the diff
fculty in arranging teams of men who
could be free from duty in sufficient
numbers at the same time to engage
in the games
'lA1l these figures show very gratify-
ing increase of appreciation of the
service which this office is endeavoring.
by diligent effort. to render the public.
The facilities now provided under
the current appropriation are not ade-
Quate to meet the demands made upon
them. Sufficient equipment cannot be
procured, necessary construction work
cannot be carried on and proper admin
1t is urgently recommended that addi-
tional funds be provided for these pur-
poses.'
Additional Park Spaces.
During the past year nineteen park
spaces containing 33.9S acres were add
ed to the public park system, giving a
total of 436 parks and park spaces with
a total. acreage of about 1.227 acres.
Tn made TO seven of
the smaller reservations. The upper re-
tanning wall of Meridian Hill Park was
completed and the upper entrance on
18th street was about half finished. A
park lodge was built in Montrope Park.
Rawlins Park was remodeled under a
new design and additional improve
ments made in East Potomac Park.
West Potomac Park and the Monument
shrubs were planted in various parks.
All the improved parks and park spaces
were maintained in good condition
throughout the year. Lawns, roads.
trees and shrubs pruned and. where
needed. special surgical treatment was
given them to insure their preservation
The usual planting to secure floral dec
grafton for the parks in the spring,
summer and autumn. was accomplished.
The expenditures for parks and reser-
vations during the year were s241,2 ,290,
which includes pay of employees
During the year the park watchmen
made III arrests the amount of fines
imposed being $2.329 and the collateral
forfeited, $500. a total of s4.949. They
also sent sixty-six sick and injured
persons to hospitals. took four lost
children to police stations and sent the
bodies of four dead persons-one
suicide-to the morgue.
Col. Harts says that negotiations
have been in progress with some of
the owners of property required for
Rock Creek parkway, and number OF
parcels of land have been acquired on
land are in progress.
Visitors to Monument.
During the fiscal year 220.296 persons
ascended the Washington Monument.
walking to the top of the shaft The
total number of persons who have
ascended to the top since the opening
of the Monument, October 9, 1855. is
4,700c50.
Good progress on the Lincoln me-
lures on that account to date are
S1927.736. Details are given of work
performed in East and West Potomac
Park on the memorial to women of
the civil war. the Arlington memorial
the Grant memorial and
various other projects in various stages
of progress.
There are now xhirty-five statues in
the public grounds under the charge
of Col Harts and one in course of
construction-that of Gen. L. S. Grant
in the Rotanic Garden.
Referring to the SITES of Fort Davis
and Fort Dupone. in the extreme
section of the city 10
Gated on Alabama avenue. formerly
Bowen road. Col. Harts says their ele-
walton provides magnificent view of
the CITY to the northwest.
There are very vew houses in the
netehborhood of either tract. he says.
and it will be great many years be-
fore il will be necessary to develop the
areas as parks. in accordance with the
act authorizing their purchase by the
District Commissioners. approved June
&c, 1917.
Place for Auto Parties.
"At present" says Col. Harts. they
would serve only as recreation grounds
for automobile parties. as there are no
car lines within walking distance of
either There are houses on both tracts
and these are rented to the former oc-
cupa nts, the rentals being deposited in
the Treasury"
II is again suggested that the tidal
hs sin in West Potomac park be named
"Twining Lake." and that the extreme
southern point of East Potomac park
he named "Hains Point" The plan for
<aI r,rs<