Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5, from Friday, June 19, 2026, through Monday, June 22, 2026, the National Park Service is imposing a temporary closure of Dupont Circle Park. The restricted area is indicated on the enclosed map. Specifically, there will be temporary closures to the public of the following locations from approximately 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19 to approximately 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026: • Dupont Circle Park
This closure comes at the request of the United States Park Police (USPP) because, in USPP’s professional opinion, this closure is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and protection of natural and cultural resources in Dupont Circle Park. The USPP noted that there were multiple instances of damage to park resources and unsafe conditions for the public at this location in 2023, 2024, and 2025, including a shooting and a double-stabbing during a comparable event in June 2025, which restricted the USPP’s capacity to support other Capital Pride festivities and respond to calls for service. Based on the information provided by the USPP, in their law enforcement professional opinion this closure is necessary. Less restrictive measures will not suffice due to the security-based assessment of the USPP that this park area needs to be kept clear. A copy of the USPP letter and map dated and received on May 22, 2026, is attached and incorporated by reference. In particular, the USPP’s letter notes: USPP has taken proactive steps to reduce criminal activity in the park, including an increased police presence and enhanced lighting around the park. However, significant challenges have persisted, including unpermitted large gathering with sound equipment, illegal vending and grilling, alcohol use, multiple physical altercations, and vandalism of the historic fountain and statue. Every year, the situation has strained our personnel as the large crowds have continued to linger around the park and spill into the nearby roadway causing further disturbances.
This temporary public use limit is not of a nature, magnitude and duration that will result in a “significant alteration in the public use pattern.” Other nearby park areas will remain open, this closure will not impact any permitted events, and the closure will only last for the limited time that the USPP has determined is necessary to provide for public safety and resource protection. Furthermore, the closure will not adversely affect the park’s natural, aesthetic or cultural values and is not of a highly controversial nature, nor does it require any long-term or significant modification to resource management objectives. To the contrary, the multiple violent incidents that occurred last year should render this a non-controversial public safety measure. Comparable closures and public use limits are commonplace when necessary to provide for the protection of the park and public. Accordingly, the National Park Service determines publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register is unwarranted under 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(b). This is consistent with hundreds of earlier partial and temporary park closures or public use limitations, the legal opinion of the Office of the Solicitor, and judicial adjudications. Mahoney v. Norton, No. 02-1715 (D.D.C. August 29, 2002), plaintiff’s emergency motion for injunction pending appeal denied Mahoney v. Norton, No. 02- 5275 (D.C. Cir. September 9, 2002) (per curiam); Picciotto v. United States, No. 99-2113 (D.D.C. August 6, 1999); Picciotto v. United States, No. 94-1935 (D.D.C. September 9, 1994); Picciotto v. Lujan, No. 90-1261 (D.D.C. May 30, 1990); Picciotto v. Hodel, No. 87-3290 (D.D.C. January 26, 1988); Spiegel v. Babbitt, 855 F. Supp. 402 (D.D.C. 1994), aff'd in part w/o op. 56 F.3d 1531 (D.C. Cir. 1995), reported in full, 1995 US App. Lexis 15200 (D.C. Cir. May 31, 1995). Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.7, notice of this temporary and partial closure and public use limit will be made though media advisories, maps, fencing, and by posting at conspicuous locations in the affected park areas. Finally, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c), this determination is available to the public upon request. Kevin L. Griess /s/ Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks 6/17/2026 
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Last updated: June 17, 2026