Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Liner Shows Fading After Recent Renovation
The newly installed liner on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has faded to a gray hue, and officials say repairs will be needed after the pool was drained for cleaning.
The bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool appears noticeably grayer than when it was repainted and refilled in early June, according to an on-site observation from the Washington Monument. The pool was drained and its surface cleaned after debris from Independence Day fireworks was removed.
The renovation, which began in the spring, was originally projected to cost $1.5 million but has risen to more than $16 million, with $14.7 million awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings for repainting and waterproofing the concrete floor and $1.7 million to Green Water Solutions for a water-purification system.
President Donald Trump described the new coating as “American flag blue,” but officials say the color has faded and sections of the liner appear to be peeling. The administration has attributed the damage to vandalism, citing a June 9 report of a knife-like cut in the liner, though critics argue the issues stem from the quality of the work.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, speaking with conservative podcaster Katie Miller, said the plan after draining and cleaning is to repair the damage and refill the pool.
A former Olympic canoeist, David Hearn, has pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberately damaging the pool, claiming he was instructed by a park worker to examine the peeled sealant. Three additional individuals have also pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges related to removing paint from the pool.