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Norton’s Bill to Rename Rock Creek Park for 125th Anniversary Highlights its Significance to D.C., the Region and the Nation

January 16, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC – As the 125th anniversary of Rock Creek Park approaches, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a bill to redesignate the D.C. portion of Rock Creek Park as "Rock Creek National Park in the District of Columbia." The redesignation has dual goals. The Congresswoman wants to clarify the difference between Rock Creek Park under federal jurisdiction in the District and the contiguous portion owned by the state Maryland. In addition, in renaming the park, "Rock Creek National Park in the District of Columbia," the bill will highlight the park's significance to the nation, the residents of the District and region, and visitors to the nation's capital.

"This redesignation would highlight the importance of the park and its place among our nation's other magnificent national parks," said Norton. "I hope that it would help in our efforts to attract even more visitors from our city and every part of the region and nation to the park to enjoy the unusual outdoor space located in the midst of a great city."

Norton's full introduction statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on theIntroduction of theRock Creek National Park in the District of Columbia Act

January 16, 2013

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 Sequioa. 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.

Published: January 16, 2014