Photo by junedavis.
Rock Creek Park turns 125 on Sunday, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton wants to gift it with a new name. But nothing too crazy. Er, actually, exactly the same thing—but with “national” in the middle.
She introduced a bill in the House today to rename it “Rock Creek National Park,” arguing the new name will come with more clout.
“Adding ‘National’ will help recognize Rock Creek as one of the nation’s great historic parks, along with Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks,” her office said in a statement, reminding us that Rock Creek is the nation’s oldest urban park and the third-oldest federal 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,” Holmes Norton said in her introductory statement.
Should you find yourself wanting to give back in a more hands-on fashion, the National Park Service is launching a new volunteering initiative on the eve of the anniversary. Learn more about Sustaining Our Lands Through Volunteer Energy (SOLVE) while getting your hands dirty on Saturday at the following clean-up sites:
- Fort Bunker Hill: Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association- trail work from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Dumbarton Oaks Park: Dumbarton Oaks Conservancy- trail work from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Remarks at 11:30.
- Piney Branch Parkway: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Rock Creek Conservancy- clean-up and invasive plant removal 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Remarks at 10.
- Meridian Hill Park: Washington Parks & People- to invasive plant removal, clean-up and tree work from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Officials on-site at 12:30.
- Chevy Chase Circle: Friends of Chevy Chase Circle- community outreach and park cleanup from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
And should you want to commemorate Rock Creek “National” Park making it to 125, there are celebrations planned all day on Sunday.
“Join park lovers for a full day of programs from ranger and partner led hikes, to a smartphone photography workshop and bike repair clinic with REI, rock climbing, pony rides, and even gardening tips. After taking some time to play in the park, make sure to join us at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center for cake and remarks at 2:30 p.m.”
See the complete schedule here.
Rachel Sadon