[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 139 (Friday, September 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE ROCK CREEK NATIONAL PARK ACT

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 2015

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, September 27, 2015 marks the 125th 
anniversary of Rock Creek Park, and to celebrate, today, I introduce a 
bill to redesignate the National Park Service-owned Rock Creek Park, in 
the District of Columbia, as ``Rock Creek National Park.'' Renaming 
this park will highlight its significance to the nation, including 
visitors to the nation's capital, and encourage more daily use and 
involvement with the park's beautiful trails, waterways and features by 
residents of the District of Columbia.
  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 its natural state 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 its 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 the present day. The Fort Circle Parks were also 
acquired to interpret and preserve the Civil War 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. The 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 as Rock Creek National Park will help 
the National Park Service, the Rock Creek Conservancy, area residents, 
and visitors to recognize the national status of the park and protect 
and revitalize this remarkable resource in our nation's capital. It is 
fitting that we recognize the historical significance of Rock Creek 
Park on its 125th birthday by using the occasion to rename it Rock 
Creek National Park.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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