A federal judge on Saturday stopped the Trump administration from shutting East Potomac Park this weekend, blocking a closure tied to the administration’s push to remake public spaces in Washington, D.C., including plans for an 18-hole course drawn up by architect Tom Fazio.
The ruling landed as President Donald Trump has also promoted changes around the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be drained after July 4 for repairs he said are needed following vandalism.
In a 30-page order, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said the park must stay open to visitors, allowing only ordinary short-term shutdowns tied to immediate safety issues, as reported by The Hill.
Reyes wrote that an open-ended lockout of a long-used park would cause lasting harm to the plaintiffs and cut against the public’s interest in access to federal parkland.
Judge Blocks Trump’s Plan to Close East Potomac Park.
The administration had indicated the site would be closed on Sunday so work could start on a championship-length layout. Reyes’ order prevents that plan from moving forward for at least two weeks.
The judge also said the government did not convincingly show it would be damaged by a temporary restraining order that keeps conditions unchanged while the case proceeds. The decision broadened an earlier court action that halted additional tree-cutting after hundreds were felled in October, while still permitting safety work with advance notice.
Trump’s redevelopment pitch has also centered on East Potomac Golf Links, which he described as in poor condition because of failing greens, dead turf, broken irrigation and dangerous trees. He has said Tom Fazio and Gavin Fazio would guide a redesign he claims could attract major events such as the U.S. Open, Ryder Cup and PGA Championship, with construction slated to begin Sept. 1.
What Does This Mean For Public Access?
During a lengthy hearing on Friday, Reyes questioned why the government said it needed a swift shutdown, repeatedly pressing Justice Department lawyers about the claimed urgency. A Justice Department spokesperson said the court’s order does not block planning for a “world class” golf course and noted that the National Park Service can limit entry when people are at risk.
Questions about cost and contracting have also followed the Reflecting Pool work, with critics pointing to a $13.1 million no-bid contract tied to the renovation. Green algae returned days after a $13 million renovation, adding scrutiny to whether the fixes delivered lasting results.
Key Concerns Behind The East Potomac Dispute
The lawsuit was brought by a preservation group and two local golfers seeking to stop the project, arguing the safety explanation is being used to clear the way for Trump’s preferred course concept. Their side says the plan is geared toward hosting major tournaments rather than preserving how the public has used the space.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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