News Release

George Washington Memorial Parkway Installs 14 Freeze-Resistant Fountains Along Mount Vernon Trail 

Park Ranger Daniel Blier drinks from a new freeze-resistant drinking fountain and bottle-filling station along the Mount Vernon Trail near Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington, D.C., Jan. 5, 2026.

DOI / NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

News Release Date: January 6, 2026

Contact: NCR Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C.  - On a busy stretch of the Mount Vernon Trail near Theodore Roosevelt Island, George Washington Memorial Parkway reached a new milestone in year-round convenience. Fourteen new freeze-resistant drinking fountains and bottle-filling stations now provide reliable access to drinking water along the trail. Made possible through philanthropic partnerships, these upgrades support President Donald J. Trump’s continued priority of a safer, more beautiful, more functional capital and help ensure a welcoming, enjoyable experience for residents and visitors during the upcoming Freedom 250 celebrations.  

The park celebrated the project with a ribbon cutting that brought together park staff, partners and supporters. Designed to withstand freezing temperatures, the new stations help keep water available even when winter weather arrives.  

“These are the kinds of upgrades that make a big difference in everyday park visits,” said Superintendent Jennifer Madello of George Washington Memorial Parkway. “Whether you are commuting, training or taking a family walk, reliable water access helps people enjoy the trail safely and comfortably in every season.”   

The project supports the parkway's mission to protect the Potomac River corridor while improving visitor experience across one of the region's most heavily used recreation routes.  

The park recognized the National Park Foundation and Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail for supporting the installation of the new stations.  

For more information about George Washington Memorial Parkway, visit https://www.nps.gov/gwmp.  

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE       
National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.  

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Big news for trail lovers, year-round water access is here on the Mount Vernon Trail! Fourteen new freeze-resistant fountains and bottle-filling stations mean you can refill anytime, no matter the season.