Record of Determination for Partial and Temporary Closure of JFK Hockey Field and FDR Ballfields for Turf Management

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5, the National Park Service is imposing a temporary closure of the turf area at the JFK Hockey Field and FDR Ballfields grounds, as identified in the provided map, to support turf restoration from August 4, 2026, to November 28, 2026.

The turf areas at the JFK Hockey Field and FDR Ballfields require significant restoration to return them to full functionality and an aesthetically pleasing condition due to wear and damage from recent permitted events. A temporary closure is necessary to allow for effective turf rehabilitation and regrowth, as continued foot traffic would interfere with the recovery process. During the remediation period, these areas will remain fully closed so the turf can properly recover and be returned to a safe, functional, and visually acceptable condition for park patrons and future permitted events.

This temporary and partial closure is not of nature, magnitude and duration that will result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of these park areas. Other nearby park areas will remain open to the public. The closure will not adversely affect the park's natural, aesthetic, or cultural values. Additionally, closure will not require significant modification to the resource management objectives and is not controversial in nature.

Accordingly, the National Park Service determines that publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register, is unwarranted per 36 C.F.R. § l.5(c). This finding is consistent with hundreds of earlier partial and temporary park closures, the legal opinion of the Office of the Solicitor, and judicial adjudications. Picciotto v. United States. No. 99-2113 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. United States, No. 94-1935 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. Lulan, No. 90-1261 (D.D.C.); Picciotto v. Hodel, No. 87-3290 (D.D.C.); Spiegel v. Babbitt, 855 F.Supp. 402 (D.D.C. 1994), affld in part w/o op. 56 F.3d 1531 (D.C. Cir. 1995).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R.§ 1.7, notice of this temporary and partial closure will be made through fencing and posting of signs at conspicuous locations in the affected park area. Finally, pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(c), this determination is available to the public upon request.

Michael Commisso /s/ 8/4/2026
Deputy Superintendent

 

Enclosure: Map of JFK Hockey Field and FDR Ballfields Closure Area