Norton Celebrates Rock Creek Park’s 125th Birthday on Sunday by Introducing Bill to Rename Park, “Rock Creek National Park”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Ahead of Rock Creek Park's 125th birthday on Sunday, September 27, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a bill to rename the park "Rock Creek National Park," which would highlight the significance of the park for the nation, including visitors to the nation's capital, and District of Columbia residents, who are frequent visitors. Norton said adding "National" will help recognize Rock Creek as one of the nation's great historic parks, along with Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Rock Creek is the nation's oldest urban park and the third oldest federal park.

"We should be thrilled to have great wildness in the midst of one the most urban cities in the nation," Norton said. "I joyfully celebrate the upcoming 125th birthday of Rock Creek Park on Sunday by introducing a bill to rename our sanctuary from the urban hustle and bustle to acknowledge its importance as one of America's national parks."

Norton's full introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on theIntroduction of theRock Creek National Park Act

September 25, 2015

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.