The Fall 2009 issue of “National Parks: The Magazine of the National Parks Conservation Association” contains a report on the work of the parks’ Second Century Commission which spent the past twelve months “analyzing the condition and function of our national parks and chart a vision for the parks for the next century of service to the American people.”  The article was written by former US Senators Howard Baker of Tennessee and Bennett Johnston of Louisiana who were also the co-chairs of the commission.  The following paragraphs mid-way through the article were of particular interest, so I have included them in their entirety below:

 

The gold of a late New England autumn greeted us in Lowell.  It seemed a jarring contrast to southern California; America’s first planned industrial city, founded in 1826, had by the mid 20th Century seen much of its textile industry leave town.  Some city visionaries saw these abandoned buildings as an opportunity, and considered historic preservation a key to city’s renewal.  The programs of the National Park Service were lever and anchor for a rebirth that is now studied worldwide.  In fact, in 1978, the two of us worked closely with Sen. Paul Tsongas to pass legislation establishing the complex relationship of city, state, local and private interests that has driven Lowell’s success.

 

But our Lowell experience caused vigorous debate among the commissioners.  National Geographic President John Fahey asked if urban renewal was the mission of the National Park Service.  Through discussion with community leaders, we came to see that the park was only part of the larger effort to revitalize the city.  Today the agency operates museums and visitor centers.  The Tsongas Industrial History Center is a cooperative venture with the University of Massachusetts Lowell and hosts students from all over the country.  Innovative tax credits developed in concert with the Park Service spurred private developers to convert historic mills into offices and residences, breathing new life into the city.

 

When we were working on the legislation, Senator Tsongas explained why he wanted the Park Service to manage these components rather than simply setting up a grant program.  He wanted a resident in his city that was committed to its success.  He was right.

 

After visiting places like Lowell, the commission concluded that the Park Service has a vitally important mission for its next century.