The Washington times., 1924-09-17
Larger Appropriations for
Upkeep OF District Parks
By BILL PRICE.

One much needed improvement be made in beautiful
Rock Creek Park before another spring and That is
the illumination Of the dark and winding roadways With
the exception of two county roads in the park of the
main horoughares in this popular place have been
lighted In consequence the park is virtually deserted at
night spooners and others willing take Of running
nightfan
At its last session Congress made an appropriation for light
ing the park and the Superintendent Of Public Buildings and
Grounds through his engineers engaged in nves
CATION OF the best method Of illumination Upon the
pletion Of this investigation contracts will be let.
Whether the appropriation will be sufficient light Rock
Greek Park as it should be Lit is not yet known but it is the
duty Of Congress not only to provide satisfactory lighting
throughout but grant other appropriations for the
ukep Of that beauty spot of the District and for
improvements that are badly needed.
For that matter all appropriations for park purposes the
District for many have been inadequate and there should
be liberal policy on the part Of Congress members Of
which and their families enjoy the pleasures Of these nstu
Taking Rock Creek Park as an example it NAV be pointed
put that the appropriations of Congress for upeep
have not varied in twelve fifteen year-always about
z0OOO year There has been tremendous increase in the
use OF the park that time The growth in the of
Des has brought the beauties and pleasures Of Rock
close home to Washngtonians and visitors midst
In spite Of the popularity of the park no electric lighting
was provided for until this fiscal year. The Speedway Of
sOOnaC rark Is terribly congested on summer evenings
bring about division Of automobile activities between the
two places.
Thousands Of Washngtonans spend whole days in Rock
Greek in summer yet there isn't single public comfort sta
non throughout the park The building Of such stations
necessity Of the worst sort.
Additional bridges are also needed When the creek is
Hooded regular crossings cannot be made by machines or
pedestrians The principal driveways should be wdened
meet increasing traffic demands and several roadways
should be constructed to lessen congestion traffic dangers
The permanent policy Of Congress appears be that Of
tanng additional grounds for park and around the
District but the carrying of that program will be good
many years away In the meantime Washington is growing
ct rapid rate and all existing parks being used to the
!uest extent despite the lack Of public convenences and
improvements.
Congress cannot possibly be too liberal in providing money
Tor systematic program Of improvements that will bring all
parks to- point Of still greater attracveness and useful
ness to the public.
washington people are not alone in enjoying these parks
large numbers each year They look upon Washington as
!nelr NATIONS CITY That ought be sufficient
inspiration to Congress to take greater interest park
provenent and development Yet the people of the District
pay the bulk OF the money for the upkeep and improvement
OF all parks The United States Government which should
regard Washington its city and that of all the people
OF the nation pays mighty small proportion Of the total