Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Friday as the administration launched another round of repairs following the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The latest repairs come after problems emerged shortly after the initial restoration project was completed last month. The issues led to a renewed effort to restore the landmark.
The initial restoration project was completed recently, but problems emerged shortly after, with President Trump largely blaming vandals for the issues. The latest round of work had been planned, and crews also needed to remove debris left behind after the July Fourth fireworks celebration on the National Mall.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told a conservative podcaster that the latest round of work included draining the water, cleaning up the fireworks debris, repairing the vandalism that was done, and filling it back up again. The administration had been anticipating the need for additional repairs.
The restoration project was ordered earlier this year as part of an effort to refurbish the landmark ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. However, the project was beset by an algae bloom, and sections of the new blue coating began peeling from the bottom of the pool.
The President had declared victory over the algae last Sunday, sharing photos showing the Reflecting Pool and its reflection appearing clear and blue. However, court records indicated that the National Park Service planned to drain the pool again after the July Fourth celebrations to repair damage authorities attributed to vandalism.
U.S. Park Police responded to a report of damage at the Reflecting Pool on June 9, and investigators found evidence of vandalism. A former U.S. Olympic canoeist was indicted on a felony destruction of property charge following his arrest on charges related to a June 19 incident at the pool.
The individual, who has denied damaging the Reflecting Pool, said he stopped during a bike ride and touched a loose piece of the peeling blue coating "to satisfy my curiosity as a citizen." At least three other people have also been charged with misdemeanors on allegations they removed pieces of the Reflecting Pool's coating.
