The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1920-04-10
lie re CRANDE ARK PLAN.

s sUanER and the csn Of outdoor. lie return interest is re.
Aldo Leopold Of the United States forest service, proposes to
transform that portion Of the Rio Grandc which flows past Albuquer
que from Old Albuquerque to Barclas bridge from q prospect Of mud.
df river csumblne and uncertain river banks, mnderbruah and
swaapA into . mle or more Of beautiful scenery, with weIlkept
drives and walks weH-drained play and picnic grounds, landscape
afthtfv and the elimination Of the swsmps that arc the most fertile
breeding pieces Of our ANIMAL plague Of mosquitoes rs well as a
constant menace 10 the public health.
At the time this plan was first suggested . number Of land own.
era seeing the value to them Of the improvement proposed. offered
to deed . certain portion Of their holdings 10 the city. Ofhers did
not care to DO 10, and although both city and county governments
offered % appropriate limited sums Of money for road and dixie
building. the plan could not be carried ont because all Of the neces
sary land could not be obtained.
Tie plan took firm hold Of the popular mind, however; and as
a result the demand for is execution has steadily increased until
nearly every one who has given it thought now hope for the early
revival Of the undertaking
The total amoumt for the drainage Of this tract, Of about 900
acres probably viii not be very large. Drainage would not only make
possible the park plan but would be Of enormous value to the whole
northwestern section Of the ~ctyfacing the river, and to the farm and
pasture lands outside the city limits. A large part Of that section Of
Alsuqasrqns is without a sewerage system and IS undoubtedly en-
titled to sewer service, since II pays taxes in common with other
property Fair play and health demand the extension Of the sewer
system 70 every foot Of ground within The city. limits, Such a system
could Be installed as . part Of the drainage system, Or As 4 separate
system with no great additional cost Asre
The city school board owns a very important tract Of land IN
this district which should be drained before il : used for any building
purpose and which undoubtedly must be very carefully drained be-
fore an Of the land can be used.
These are some Of the immediate practical arguments for going
forward with The Rio Grande park plan m
There i. ~ course, the demand for play ground room for the
people Of Albuquerque In favor Of the Rio Grande park Our present
park spare IS little more than a bit OF ornamental grass plot. The
use Of Robinson park almost aI the year through is ample evidence
Of popular appreciation.
There Is this further and very much more important reason for
proceeding now 10 secure park space: We have an Opportunity to
get the land nov. A quarter Of a century hence this will b. impos'
sbie and We win be Put 10 the enormous expense that many another
city has had 20 stand Tor ground for use for parks.
On this basis, a. well as for reasons Of the public health, the city
government we believe. would be justified in taking hold OF the
Rio Grande park plan and in putting It through. II Is our opinion
that the tax payers Of Albuquerque would fully support this course
and il certainly would be justified BY every reason Of good public
policy.
The county government also could consistently take a large part
IN carrying out the project and there Is little doubt Of its disposition
70 do 80. The dixie and road construction features of this park, every
acre Of which is outside the present city limits, eeuid very properly
be borne by the county government. i might well be made a part
consideration. The eounty's share Of the construction, as indicated,
would require very little IL any addition 10 the total Of the bond is.
sue proposed.
II il time for the local government, both city apd eoaniy, to be-
gin to move in a big way toward some form Of public Improvement
for the benefit Of all the people. This park plan is one Of the most
thoroughly practical forms Of progress that can be devised. 1t would
be enjoyed now and for al time to come by all the people,
There are many arguments TO be brought forward Why the city
should not increase its expenditures or It's indebtedness at this time
We believe that for such a purpose and Wit. the total amount "a
volyed as conservative as il will be, every one Of these arguments WI
be found tining and that a broad guage program of advancement
here will find not only no great difficulty in overcoming all OF the
obstacles that NAV arise, but a very enthusiastic public sentiment
behind such a policy and cheering its progress.
We should like TO see Rio Grsnde park added 10 our building
plans for 1920. with the city and county governments actively co
operating in carrying it through.