Additional Coverage:
- DC visitors sound off on alleged vandalism and algae after Reflection Pool’s chaotic reopening (themirror.com)
Visitors express concern over vandalism and algae at newly restored Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool
Washington, D.C. – The Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool, recently restored at a cost of $14 million, has become the focus of public concern amid reports of alleged vandalism and the sudden appearance of algae. The pool, known for its nearly crystal-clear waters, drew visitors from across the country, some of whom voiced their dismay over the ongoing issues during their visits this week.
Despite the National Parks Service erecting barricades around the site following reports of damage, visitors were still able to access the pool area as of Wednesday. Among them was Brandy Maleke from California, who described the situation as troubling.
“I don’t know all the details, but I think that’s terrible if that’s going on,” she said, referring to allegations that algae was deliberately introduced to the pool. “It’s very beautiful and significant to our country, and we need to keep it nice.”
Kyle Balucki, a history teacher visiting the site with his wife, echoed similar sentiments. “There’s always conspiracy theorists throughout history,” he remarked.
“But anything historical, we should not be messing with it.” He stressed the importance of preserving the pool as a symbol of national heritage.
“It’s for us to remember the people who came before us. If people are purposely ruining property that belongs to the people, that’s not right.
It should be a place where visitors from around the world can appreciate what we’ve built here in America.”
Others shared their disappointment as well. Gina Cook, a 62-year-old bookkeeper from North Carolina visiting Washington for the first time, called the vandalism “sad.”
“This is the people’s pool,” she said. “We should all be proud to have it fixed.
I don’t care who sits in the White House because the White House is ours, and with the damage being done, it really should stop.”
Renee and Lance Harper from Oklahoma also condemned the acts of vandalism and expressed support for President Trump’s response. “I appreciate everything he’s doing,” Renee said. Lance added, “There are some people who let their hate overcome them and destroy our beautiful monuments, and they shouldn’t.”
The turmoil surrounding the Reflection Pool intensified after President Trump publicly accused vandals of causing significant damage. Last week, he described a 350-foot gash in the pool’s basin as “purposefully and criminally done,” alleging it required considerable effort to inflict such harm, likely under cover of darkness. Trump also noted a damaged section at the bottom of the pool with “jagged, uneven edges” and said large grass areas were being replaced.
In response, the president announced plans to order the National Parks Service to drain some of the water around the Fourth of July to facilitate permanent repairs.
As officials work to restore the Reflection Pool to its intended pristine condition, visitors and citizens alike continue to stress the importance of protecting this historic and symbolic landmark for future generations.