Evening star., 1953-12-01
Extensive Park
In Great Falls
Area Proposed
Foirfox Authority
Hears Plan for
Regional Recreation


thority would like to acquire a
sizable tract of land on the Vir-
ginia side of Great Falls to de-
velop an extensive park and
recreation area.
A proposed development plan,
drawn up by consultant to the
authority, was disclosed at a
meeting of the National Capital
Regional Planning Council yes
terday by C. c. Robinson, di-
rector of the Northern Virginia
Regional Planning Commission.
Mr.. Robinson noted that the
authority purchased a 15-acre
tract near the heart of the exist
ing Great Falls recreation area
last January. About 900 acres
surrounding it are owned by the
Potomac Electric Power Co., he
said.
''We hope some way can be
found SO some of the land can
be made available for develop
ment as a true regional park"
he told the council.
Boating Canal in Scheme.
AS envisioned by q model of
the conSultant's plan, the area
would include increased parking.
picnic and recreational space,
reconstruction of long canal
for boating and preservation of
historic landmarks. Mr. Robin
son said no definite decisions
have been made on how the land
purchase might be financed or
just how many acres such park
might include.
In a session devoted primarily
to area parks the group also
heard discussion by Harry T.
Thompson. associate superin-
tendent of National Capital
Parks, of the Federal parks un-
der his Offices control. Parks in
which major developments are
planned for the future include
Fort Hunt, on the Virginia side
of the Potomac south of WASH
ington, and the 1,100-acre Green
belt Park, acquired just a few
years ago. The possibility of
new golf courses at both loca-
tions is contemplated for the
future.
Mr.. Thompson put most en-
phasis. however, on development
of the 180-mile- long C. 6C 0.
canal from the District line to
Cumberland, Md. He noted that
the proposed George Washing
ton Memorial parkway would ex-
tend along the canal from the
District line as far as Great Falls.
Wants Scenic Drive.
Eventually, he said, his Office
wants to see a scenic park drive.
similar to Rock Greek Parks
Beach drive, built from that
point to Cumberland. The Mary
land Roads Commission has
agreed to construction of the
road between Cumberland and
Hancock, but Mr.. Thompson in
dicated his office will not press
Immediately for construction of
the road all the way to Great
Falls. Some groups have ex-
pressed opposition to it.
For the time being, Mr..
Thompson said, his Office will
concentrate on other develop
ment that would open the entire
canal area to wider recreational
uses.
The Regional Council. how
ever, named a committee to
study factors involved in extern
sion Of the road all the way to
Cumberland from Great Falls.
The three member committee is
to recommend to the council as
to whether it should try to push
for construction of the entire
road by Maryland.
In closed session, meanwhile,
the council also considered prog
ress in its efforts to employ a
technical director The groups
main purpose, to draw a devel-
opment plan for the entire re-
gion, has been stymied largely
because of a lack of technical
help. Upon its formation in
mid-1952, the council and the
National Capital Planning Com
mission were both to be served
by the planning commissions
staff.
Decision Awaited.
The council, however, has been
pushing for director who would
be free from actual planning
commission control. AS a result,
the Civil Service Commission has
been asked to authorize hiring
of such a man at a $4,000 SAL
ary. 1t has not yet ruled on the
request.
Council Chairman Robert M.
Watkins said a dozen applica-
tions for the job have been re-
ceived. After reviewing them
briefly yesterday the council:
/. Instructed it's Executive
Committee to evaluate each ap-
plicant and, in cooperation with
the planning commission, recon-
mend three names.
2. Told the Executive Commit
tee to report also on the feasibil-
ity of hiring an executive direc-
tor who could begin work
Immediately and help guide the
technical staff chief.
The executive director, Mr..
Watkins said, would have to be
a man with a detailed knowledge
of the Washington area. He
also should have a practical
knowledge of planning, but not
necessarily have extensive tech
nical training in the field, he
said.
Mr.. Watkins said the group
will consider the noSSihilifv that