WASHINGTON — Crews have drained much of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as the National Park Service undertakes another round of maintenance and repairs on one of the nation's most recognizable landmarks following July Fourth celebrations.
The work began after Independence Day festivities as planned and includes cleaning the basin, removing fireworks debris, repairing damage to the pool's liner and preparing the site to be refilled once the work is complete, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and National Park Service officials.
The Reflecting Pool, stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has faced repeated maintenance challenges in recent weeks despite a major renovation completed ahead of celebrations marking the United States' 250th anniversary. Officials have cited algae growth, deterioration of portions of the pool's surface and damage to the liner as reasons for the latest repairs.
President Donald Trump announced in late June that the pool would be repaired after the July Fourth holiday, saying the timing would avoid disrupting Independence Day events on the National Mall. In a sworn court declaration, National Park Service Deputy Director for Operations Frank Lands said the agency planned to drain the pool after the holiday to assess and repair any damage to the liner.
The administration has alleged that acts of vandalism contributed to damage at the site. National Park Service officials have said U.S. Park Police investigated what appeared to be intentional damage reported in June, including cuts to sealing material. Several people have since been arrested or charged in connection with alleged damage to the pool. Court proceedings involving one of those defendants remain ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
The repairs will be carried out by the same contractor that completed the earlier renovation, with Burgum defending the company's work while acknowledging that additional repairs are necessary. He said the current effort focuses on repairing damage, cleaning the pool and restoring it to service.
The National Park Service has maintained temporary public access restrictions around the Reflecting Pool and nearby walkways during the work, citing the need to protect park resources and ensure visitor safety. Officials said the closures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow and the maintenance work has been completed.
