Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-08-16
GRAVE[Ly POINT
AIR SITE UPHELD
Park and Planning Board
ReneWs Advocacy of
Location for Port.

Impatience with dilatory action IN
Congress looking TO further inyestiga-
ton to determine a suitable site for
a municipal airport in the District was
indicated by the National Capital Park
and Planning Commission today in re-
affirming its position in favor OF
Gravelly Point.
The commission lined up solidly
behind the Gibson bill for Gravelly
Point after Thomas S. Settle, commits
sion secretary, had reported on the
recommendations made by the Senate
and House Committees dealing with
airport questions.
Settle said the commission ques-
toned the need of any further study
of the problem, which has been under
constant investigation for the last
seven or eight years.
Senator Shpstead Of Minnesota,
strong playground advocate, again was
indirectly in touch with the commits
sion today. He telephoned Chairman
Frederic A. Delano that he was elated
over the commissions determination
to press forward with the 100000
land purchase program to complete
20 Fairgrounds and to coordinate
with other officials in putting addi-
tional playground equipment into i'm
mediate use.
Senator Shipstead urged the COM
mission to get as much work done
as possible on the Fairgrounds with
money from the Works Progress Ad-
ministration. He and Chairman
Delano were reported to be "in 100
per cent accord" on needs for the
District Fairgrounds during this and
the coming year.
Committee Heads Thanked.
Secretary Settle reported that viz
tually all the projects desired for city
improvements had been passed by
Congress during the present session.
The executive officer of the commits
sion was instructed to forward letters
to Senator King and Representative
Norton, chairmen. respectively, of the
Senate and House District Commit
tees, expressing appreciation for the
excellent work they have done.
A study was made of necessary al
terations and plans for the two
bridges authorized by Congress over
the railway tracks coming into Union
Station. Original plans had called
for three bridges and underpasses and
he oh 10 hxy TANnrocc rfyi1l
mean rearrangement of highways
to conform with the act.
An overpass will be constructed be-
tween Ninth and Eleventh streets
northeast. while an underpass is to be
beyond Fifteenth street.
Delano Orders Speed.
Full speed ahead" on the play
ground program for the District was
ordered yesterday by Delano.
He impressed on the commission
the urgent need not only for speeding
land acquisition to complete the 20
proposed Fairgrounds. but also to pro-
vide additional equipment for the
scores Of inadequately developed rec
reational areas in the city.
With the latter end in view, he
ordered the commission staff. under
John Nolen, jr.. director of planning,
to make an intensive study of play
ground needs in cooperation with
Lewis R. Barrett, newly appointed CO.
ordinator Of recreation in the District.
Nolen will report back to the Septem-
Der meeting.
Chairman Delano reported on con-
ferences with Senator Shipstead,
who was largely instrumental in
obtaining the 100000 appropria-
ton in the deficiency bill to
complete the land purchases that
eventually will put the 20 new play
grounds into commission. Senator
Shipstead also had suggested the
portable showers that were introduced
here last week.
Delano said he had found the Sen
ator not only interested in full de-
velopment of playground facilities for
Washington children, but also he had
pledged assistance in the future.
Allen Promises Aid.
As a result of yesterdays deliber-
atoms. Gerry effort will be made to
provide additional soft ball diamonds,
showers and other facilities at play
grounds which are considered poorly
equipped. Promises Of assistance came
from two quarters. C. missioner AL
len, works progress administrator for
the District, informed the commission
he would include playground projects
Is his work-relief program. Supt. C.
Marshall Finnan of National Capital
Parks also pledged support from the