The Reflecting Pool, a cherished feature of Washington DC's iconic National Mall, has been subjected to a senseless act of vandalism. According to a recent court filing by the US National Park Service (NPS), the pool's liner was deliberately damaged with a sharp knife or razor in June, causing extensive damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a multi-million dollar rehabilitation project. The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns for public monuments and landmarks in the United States.
Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the NPS, detailed the findings in a court filing on Thursday. The US Park Police responded to a report of damage, which included cuts to the caulk over the foam sealant and destruction of delaminating surface material. A total of 70 fence post tops had also been thrown into the pool. While the exact timing of the damage and the identities of those involved were not specified in the document, the incident raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures at high-profile public attractions.
The revelation follows earlier claims by US President Donald Trump, who publicly attributed a '300-foot-long gash' in the pool's liner to vandals and accused individuals of introducing fertiliser into the water. However, President Trump had been pressed for evidence of these claims during an interview, stating that proof would be presented in court. The recent court filing marks the first public record detailing the nature of the damage after the completion of the renovation work.
Renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a 2,030-foot-long basin stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, began in April and concluded two months later. The project, undertaken at President Trump's request in anticipation of the United States' 250th anniversary, involved draining the pool and installing a tinted polyurea liner to waterproof and protect the concrete surface. Despite these efforts, the pool subsequently experienced an algae bloom and issues with its deep blue paint after being refilled.
The US Park Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, while five others have been issued federal citations. The NPS plans to drain the pool once more after the Independence Day celebrations on 4 July to conduct further repairs, including comprehensive assessments and rectifying any damage to the lining. The pool, originally built in the 1920s, has historically faced challenges such as leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, and persistent algae growth.