[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E99]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ROCK CREEK NATIONAL PARK IN THE DISTRICT OF 
                              COLUMBIA ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2014

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 125th anniversary of Rock 
Creek Park, I introduce a bill to redesignate Rock Creek Park in the 
District of Columbia as ``Rock Creek National Park in the District of 
Columbia.'' The bill will help clarify the difference between the 
contiguous Rock Creek Park land that is owned by the State of Maryland 
and the portion that is under federal jurisdiction in the District of 
Columbia. Renaming this park will also highlight the significance of 
the park for the nation, including visitors to the nation's capital, 
and particularly for the residents of the District of Columbia, to 
encourage more daily use and involvement with the park's beautiful 
trails, waterways and features.
  Rock Creek Park is a historically rich park, established by Congress 
in 1890 ``for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United 
States,'' and is the oldest urban park and the third federal park ever 
created, after Yellowstone and Sequoia. Rock Creek Park was designed to 
preserve animals, timber, forestry, and other interests in the park, 
and to ensure that the natural state of the park is maintained as much 
as possible.
  Over time, several structures have been established or donated to 
further preserve Rock Creek Park. In 1892, for example, the federal 
government acquired Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, one of the mills 
used by local farmers during the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. In 
1950, the Old Stone House located at 3051 M Street NW., with great pre-
Revolutionary War architectural merit, was acquired. The building was 
restored, and programs explain the house's rich history from the 
colonial period to present day. The Fort Circle Parks were also 
acquired to interpret and preserve the Civil Defenses of Washington, 
which created a ring of protection for the nation's capital during the 
Civil War.
  Today, Rock Creek Park offers District of Columbia, Maryland, and 
Northern Virginia residents an escape from urban living. Residents and 
tourists alike also enjoy many activities in the park's 2,000 acres, 
including hiking and bike riding on the historical trails, horseback 
riding, picnicking, tennis, and other recreational activities in some 
of the open fields. Moreover, residents are involved in the cleanup and 
maintenance of the trails and waterways. Rock Creek Conservancy works 
directly with the National Park Service and is dedicated to protecting 
and promoting the entirety of the Rock Creek watershed through 
conservation, recreation, and education programs.
  Redesignating Rock Creek Park will help highlight its national status 
and protect and revitalize this remarkable resource in our nation's 
capital. It also is fitting that we recognize its historical 
significance as we approach the 125th anniversary of Rock Creek Park.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support the legislation.

                          ____________________