Capper-Cramton Parks

Stephen Syphax
07/11/2003 10:01 AM EDT
To: Glenn Eugster/NCR/NPS@NPS
cc:
Subject: Orgins of "Washington In The Woods"...

Glenn,

Forgive my repeating... but it seems so fitting in regard to
interpretation and any presentation regarding our collaboration w/ DC.  
The fact that we can think about "Washington In The Woods" is no
accident--and we're talking a century or so of creating this situation.

Specifically in regard to the Capper-Cramton Parks like Watts Branch and
Oxon Run Parkway, I think we have the best legislative purposes in NCR
outside of ROCR.  Capper-Cramton fulfilled the 1924 NCPC legislation that
acquired those areas to "... provide for a comprehensive development of
the park and playground system of the National Capital"  and   "...to
preserve the flow of water in Rock Creek, to prevent pollution of Rock
Creek, and the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, to preserve forests and
natural scenery in and about Washington..."

This is good, strong, legislated purposes that I think we don't think
about much and that applies to some of the DC sites
as well.  In fact, it's nearly lost considering I read a draft NCPC Parks
and Open Space Plan that made no reference to it.

I'll get off my soap box now.

Thanks,
stephen syphax