Evening star., 1942-04-21
Ickes

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nothing else, Mr. Ickes has informed
the Public Works Agency head that
he will make one exception and one
only. That is with reference TO the
proposed erection of temporary
dormitories for war workers.
Last week the National Capital
Park and Planning Commission
recommended the location Of dor
mitories for 1000 workers on a re-
served area west Of the old Potomac
Park polo field for the convenience
OF War and Navy Department en-
ployes. Another site IN East Poto-
mac Park east Of the railroad and
between the new tennis courts and
the existing feldhouse also had
been proposed.
Mr.. Ickes is understood TO have
agreed TO the use Of either one of
these sites for the dormitories, but
not to both. He emphatically
pointed out, however, that this per-
mission would be granted only as a
substitute for the former proposal to
build the dormitories in the center
panels of the Mall. The Park and
Planning Commission has taken a
similar stand.
President Roosevelt had first sug-
gested the use of the Mall for this
purpose, but only in the event OF
no other site was available.
The Mall, Mr.. Ickes is understood
to have warned defense agencies,
must not be violated for any rea-
son. While forced by circumstances
beyond his control at times to
yield essential park lands, Mr.. Ickes
has insisted that some degree OF
order be maintained in the plan
ing Of temporary buildings on them.
The Mall, to improve which the
Government has spent more than
81 900 900. was always to be In
violate so as to provide a perma-
nent vista from the Capitol to the
Lincoln Memorial.
Fight a Difficult One.
1t was apparent today that Mr..
Ickes will have q hard fight on his
hands to preserve remaining park
areas in the downtown section. Mr..
Knox, it is understood, has refused
to cooperate. He is said TO have
reminded the custodian of the Ma
tional Capital Parks that war is
on and that he, Mr.. Knox. will con-
tinue to insist on the transfer or
park lands where they are needed
for the expansion of the Navy De-
partment. A large area Of Ana
costa Park is now in process OF
transfer to the Navy Yard for the
duration.
In some quarters 1t was believed
that both Mr.. Ickes and Mr.. Knox
will be rushing soon to the White
House to lay their problems again
on the Presidents door mat.
Mr.. Ickes is understood to have
informed the heads of the War and
Navy Departments in no uncertain
terms that he holds them largely
responsible for the withdrawal of
some of the best recreational facih-
ties in Washington for temporary
buildings, parking lots and other
emergency uSages,
Allotment Being Sought.
He reminded them that his De-
partment is now seeking an allot-
ment of more than $l,250,000 to re-
place facilities that have been lost
to meet the insiStent demands of
war agencies. The provision Of
recreational facilities in urban
areas is not a minor concern, he is
reputed to have said. Open spaces
are scarce, property is expensive,
development requires time and the
expenditures of large sums.
The war has created a critical
recreational problem in the National
Capital, he reminded the two Sec
retaries. The requirements Of the
normal population, inadequately
served even before December 7, have
been increased many fold by the
great influx of war workers, he said.
Mr. Ickes undisguised concern
over the future of WaShington's
park system is perhaps justified by
reports he has received of contem-
plated encroachment on further
areas. The day is not distant, it
/ is asserted in some circles, when
/ the whole of the West Potomac
/ Park area may be converted to
! buildings and dormitories.
/ Navy Would Have Closed Pool.
The Star learned today of one
example Of the manner in which
the Navy Department sought to