The Washington times., 1919-03-31

PARK URGED
ON POTOMAC
Gun Factory COmmandant
Recommends Vast Athletic
Field Along Eastern Branch.
NJ BILL PRICE.

Capt A. L willard, commsndant Of
the Washington Gun Factory, has
Forwarded 20 the War Department
recommendations that about I2O acres
OF reclaimed fats on the Eastern
branch Of the Potomac, opposite tho
gun factory, be set aside for athletic
activities for the 10000 employees and
enlisted men In that great Govern
meut institution.
The ground desired Is Immediately
west OF the south end Of the Eleventh
street bridge, and is part Of the Ana
costa hats that have been reclaimed
IN the last few years through appro-
prtStions by Congress. The location
- continguouS 70 the Anacostla ear
line and not many blocks from ths
navy yard terminus OF the Capital
Traction Company. 1t adjoins other
portions Of the fats now being used
toF aviation purposes and known a.
Boiling Field.
FaVsr AthIetis Grounda.
Surgeon J. J. Kavenhy, OF the navy,
reared In East Washington and ia
miliar with all that section, has ad-
vised with Captain Willard as to the
project. These two officers, as well
Ss most OF the other officers at the
gun factory. strongly favor recrea-
ttonai grounds for the 10000 workers
and their families.
Captain willard, whose splendid ef-
hcisncy has brought him the assign
ment OF commander Of Uncle Sans
latest and greatest battleship, the
New Mexico, has consistently inter-
nGWaA hHwuG1NH - -
under him, and in his recommenda-
ttons to the War Department unhesi-
tatingly points out that the Govern
ment should lose no opportunity 20
provide suitable grounds for athletic
activities for this big body Of efficient
men
The recreational spirit il SO thor
oughly grounded in the men that
they would not ask the Government
to provide the buildings and equip
nent that would be necessary. A par
tial canvass has revealed that q huge
athletic association would fhanes the
project throughout The ability to do
this Is shown in the fact that in less
than q year employees OF the gun fac
tory have turned over to the Red
Gross $4,000 raised at dances given
3n one Of the buildings bought by the
Government on Eleventh street
Ne Parks In East WaahIuEtsn.
There are no parks in the north
east or southeast sections OF Wash
ington-a lamentable fact-and no
Fhealthy places OF recreation for those
who work hard for the Government
,or private employers.
The District Commissioners have
sought from Congress for a number
of years appropriations for q park in
Rhe northeastern suburbs, and their
plans have contemplated doing the
same thing for the southeast when
successful with the northeast project.
None Of the District plans, however,
has called for recFeational develop
Irent. What there is Of q recreational
nature in Washington parks Is in
Potomac Park, but Congress has been
so parsimonious in its appropriations
for these for a number Of years that
the money available has not been
sufficient to half way meet the de-
Jnands Of athleticaIly inclined Wash
ingtonians. The war stopped some
Of these developments.
The reclaimed Anacostia fats are
part Of the plans OF the Fine Arts
Commission for park extensions in
the District along the lines being
followed in Potomac park, but their |
development is a matter for the
future, dependent wholly upon the |
whims OF Congress.
Has Baseball League.
The workers of the gun factory |
last year had a baseball league Of /
their own and maintained six teams /
The football club OF the institution |
won the championship of the District |
last fall. There is a successful trap /
shooting club and other athletic ac- I
tFvities, but they are all limited, |
owing to lack of buildings and |
grounds.
II the recommendations OF Captain |
Willard are granted by the War De- /
partment the coming summer will 4
be lively, with all sorts of athletic !
and recreatiOnal plans. The es-
fabIishment OF motor boat lines
across the Eastern branch would be
one of the first steps taken, thereby !
Giving quick and pleasant access TO |