**Reflecting Pool Liner Cut with Sharp Knife or Razor, National Park Service Reports**
In a recent court filing, the National Park Service (NPS) disclosed that the liner at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., was cut with a sharp knife or razor earlier this month. Frank Lands, the deputy director of operations for the NPS, provided this information on Thursday, detailing the damage that occurred as part of a broader investigation into the pool's condition.
The incident was reported to the U.S. Park Police on June 9, following concerns about the integrity of the pool's liner. The damage has been linked to a multi-million dollar rehabilitation project that aimed to restore the iconic site ahead of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The renovation included the installation of a tinted polyurea liner designed to waterproof and protect the concrete surface of the pool.
In addition to the liner damage, the police report noted that approximately 70 fence post tops were thrown into the pool, further complicating the situation. However, the report did not specify when the damage occurred or identify any potential suspects involved in the vandalism.
In a recent interview, former U.S. President Donald Trump attributed the damage to vandals, describing a "300-foot long gash" in the liner. He suggested that someone had also introduced fertilizer into the water, contributing to the pool's ongoing issues. Trump indicated that evidence of the damage would be presented in court, as part of a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit organization aimed at halting the Trump administration's work on the Reflecting Pool.
The NPS's filing marks the first public acknowledgment of the specific damages sustained by the Reflecting Pool following the completion of its renovation. The project, which began in April and lasted for two months, aimed to address long-standing issues such as leaks, structural deterioration, and algae growth that have plagued the pool since its construction in the 1920s.
Despite the renovations, the Reflecting Pool has faced challenges since being refilled with water, including an algae bloom and problems with the deep blue paint applied to its bottom. In light of these ongoing issues, the NPS has announced plans to drain the pool again after the Independence Day celebrations on July 4. This will allow for further assessments and repairs to the liner and other damaged areas.
Authorities have taken action in response to the vandalism, with five individuals arrested and five others issued federal citations in connection with the Reflecting Pool incidents. The NPS continues to monitor the situation closely as it works to restore the Reflecting Pool to its former glory.
The Reflecting Pool, which stretches 2,030 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, remains a significant landmark in the nation's capital, drawing visitors from around the world. As repairs and assessments continue, officials are hopeful that the pool will soon be restored to its intended state, allowing it to serve as a symbol of reflection and remembrance for years to come.