Legal Definitions - National Capital Parks Commission

The National Capital Parks Commission was the original name for the federal agency now known as the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). Established in 1926, its initial mandate was to acquire land for a comprehensive system of parks, parkways, and playgrounds for the National Capital Region. Over time, its responsibilities expanded to include broader planning for the physical development of the federal government in and around Washington, D.C. The NCPC, as its successor, continues this vital role, ensuring the orderly and comprehensive development of the nation's capital, including federal buildings, parks, and infrastructure, while preserving its natural and historic character.

• Example 1: Historical Park Acquisition

  In the late 1920s, the Commission might have identified a large, undeveloped tract of land along a tributary of the Potomac River as an ideal location for a future public park and recreational area. They would then have worked to acquire this land through purchase or donation, ensuring it was preserved for public use rather than being developed privately. This action directly reflects the original mandate of the National Capital Parks Commission to acquire land for the capital's park system, laying the groundwork for what might now be a beloved public green space.

• Example 2: Federal Building Development Review

  Imagine a scenario where a federal agency proposes to construct a new headquarters building on a vacant lot adjacent to a historic federal park in downtown Washington, D.C. The plans for this new building, including its architectural design, height, landscaping, and impact on traffic and viewsheds, would need to be reviewed and approved by the National Capital Planning Commission (the successor to the National Capital Parks Commission). This demonstrates the evolution of the Commission's role from solely acquiring parks to overseeing the comprehensive planning and development of federal facilities within the capital, ensuring new constructions align with the overall vision for the city and respect existing parkland.

• Example 3: Protecting Green Corridors

  Consider a proposal to build a new utility line that would require digging through an established wooded area designated as a scenic corridor connecting two existing national parks within the capital region. The National Capital Planning Commission would meticulously review this proposal, assessing its potential impact on the environment, public access to green spaces, and the overall integrity of the capital's planned park and open space network. This illustrates the ongoing commitment, inherited from the original National Capital Parks Commission, to protect and enhance the capital's green infrastructure and ensure that development respects the planned park and open space system.