The Interior Department says fencing around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was planned as part of July 4 fireworks safety and was installed earlier in response to an increase in vandalism. The department shared the explanation with HuffPost and cited a nearby fireworks launch pad as a safety reason. However, documents reviewed by The New York Times suggest the peeling blue coating and algae blooms were not caused by vandals, raising questions about the pool's recent maintenance and the outcome of a $16.4 million renovation.
Interior Dept.: Reflecting Pool Fencing Installed Early Over Vandalism Concerns; NYT Documents Question Claims
The Interior Department on Tuesday defended the early installation of metal fencing around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the move was part of safety preparations for July 4 and a response to a recent uptick in vandalism.
In a statement shared with HuffPost, the department said the Reflecting Pool "was always set to be fenced off ahead of the 4th of July," noting that one of the fireworks launch pads is located near the pool and fencing is routinely used to protect the public.
"With the increase in vandalism by leftist activists, the fencing is going up earlier than originally planned to ensure no more damage is done to this historic site," the department added.
President Trump and administration officials have blamed vandalism for apparent problems following a $16.4 million renovation of the pool. However, documents reviewed by The New York Times indicate that the blue coating now peeling from portions of the pool and the algae blooms that turned the water green were not the result of vandalism.
The contrasting accounts highlight lingering questions about maintenance, oversight and the cause of recent damage at the landmark site. The Interior Department emphasizes public-safety reasons for the fencing, while reporting from The New York Times suggests some of the visible damage stemmed from factors other than deliberate interference.
Officials and the public may seek further clarity on the renovation's outcomes and on what measures will be taken to preserve the historic Reflecting Pool ahead of high-traffic events.
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