August 6, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 133 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
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

                        Tuesday, August 6, 2019

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to 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 will help get much-needed funding for the 
park's inviting trails, waterways and other unique features. No 
additional federal funds will be required.
  Rock Creek Park is already a national 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, for 
all American people, not just for D.C. residents.
  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 architecture, was acquired by the park. 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 residents of the District of Columbia, 
Maryland and Northern Virginia, as well as thousands of visitors, an 
escape from our increasingly urban environment. Residents and tourists 
alike enjoy many activities in the park's 2,000 acres, including hiking 
and biking on the historical trails, horseback riding, picnicking, 
tennis and other recreational activities in some of the open fields. 
Our residents have expressed their appreciation by volunteering to 
clean up and maintain the trails and waterways.
  Redesignating Rock Creek Park as Rock Creek National Park will help 
recognize the national status of the park and protect and revitalize 
this remarkable resource in our nation's capital.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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