Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Drained Again for Repairs After Vandalism and Fireworks Debris
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The National Park Service is draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to remove July 4 fireworks debris and repair damage attributed to vandalism, following earlier restoration work ordered by the administration.
Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday to clear debris from the July 4 fireworks display and to address damage officials say was caused by vandalism. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who oversees the National Park Service, told podcaster Katie Miller that the work had been scheduled and that the pool would be refilled after cleaning and repairs.
The pool had undergone a restoration project earlier this year, initiated by the administration to refurbish the landmark ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Shortly after completion, the pool experienced an algae bloom and portions of a newly applied blue coating began to peel. Court documents indicate that U.S. Park Police responded to reports of damage on June 9, noting that caulk had been applied over foam sealant that had been cut, the coating was damaged, and about 70 fence-post caps were thrown into the water.
Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn has been indicted on a felony destruction-of-property charge related to a June 19 incident at the pool; he pleaded not guilty, saying he only touched a loose piece of the coating out of curiosity. Three additional individuals have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing sections of the coating and also pleaded not guilty.
The drainage and repair work is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the Reflecting Pool after the recent restoration and the recent vandalism allegations.