SECTION 1: VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS AND CLOSURES.
Authority: 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1)-(2)
a. Visiting Hours for Outdoor Areas. Outdoor areas within the park are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week unless otherwise noted.
b. Visiting Hours for Indoor Areas. Indoor sites and facilities within the park are open to public entry at the specified times below. Dates and times listed are approximate and are dependent on weather, staffing, and funding levels, as well as unforeseen circumstances. Current hours of operation or other specific site information may be obtained by visiting the sites listed below or the NAMA website at https://www.nps.gov/nama; calling (202) 426-6841 (except where otherwise specified); or by writing to the Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks, 1100 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC 20242.
i. Washington Monument: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except July 4 and December 25. The Washington Monument is closed one day each month for routine maintenance. Tickets are required for entry and are limited based on the maximum capacity of indoor areas within the Monument. Tickets are available at the Washington Monument Lodge starting at 8:45 a.m. and online at www.recreation.gov.
ii. Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site: 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20004. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving and December 25. The site is operated in partnership with Ford’s Theatre Society and access may be limited during performances. Phone: (202) 426-6924.
iii. Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument: 144 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC, 20002. Open 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday, except Thanksgiving and December 25. In March, Women’s History Month, the monument is open five days a week from Wednesday through Sunday.
iv. Lockkeeper’s House: Constitution Avenue NW and 17th Street NW. Generally open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
v. U.S. Park Police Horse Stables Education Center: 1964 Independence Ave SW. Generally open to the public Thursday - Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
vi. National Mall and Memorial Parks Headquarters: 1100 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC, 20242. This facility is not open to the public. Visitation by appointment only is available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. Phone: (202) 245-4660.
c. Washington Monument. The interior staircase is closed to public access. On limited occasions, the Superintendent may authorize stair walkdowns that support the operations and mission of the NPS. Visitors may be subject to security screening before entering indoor areas within the Monument and must comply with the terms and conditions of tickets issued for entry.
d. Roofs and interior understructures. The roofs and interior understructures of buildings within Memorial Restricted Areas are closed to public access. On limited occasions, the Superintendent may authorize access to roofs and interior understructures for specific activities that support the operations and mission of the NPS.
e. East Potomac Park. Closed between the entry and exit gates from 1:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. daily to all vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Hains Point, along Ohio Drive SW from the eastern entry gate to the western exit gate at the intersection of Ohio and Buckeye Drives SW, may close to vehicle traffic during times of high tides, flooding, snow emergencies, permitted special events, or as needed to address or mitigate temporary public safety issues as determined by the USPP. These areas may be closed to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized vehicles as determined by the NPS or USPP.
f. Temporary Closures.
i. Emergencies. Buildings and public spaces, including the Washington Monument, may close for high winds, weather conditions, mechanical failure, or other emergency situations.
ii. Non-emergencies. Buildings and public spaces also may close as a result of permitted activities, resource management and protection, public safety concerns, roadwork or other maintenance, and other non-emergency situations. Fences or signage may be used to indicate the closure, and a notification or Record of Determination will be posted on the park website.
iii. Turf. Pursuant to Secretarial Order No. 3326 dated January 24, 2013, and in accordance with the Turf Management and Event Operations Guide for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, partial and temporary closures of turf panels will be implemented within the park to protect turf.
g. USPP Horse Stables Education Center and the Lockkeeper’s House. Closed to permitted activities, except that the NPS may sponsor no more than four (4) special events per year at each location, and solely in partnership with the park’s official non-profit partner, the Trust for the National Mall, to educate the public about the partnership and to support stewardship of the sites.
h. Memorial Restricted Areas. The following activities are prohibited in Memorial Restricted Areas:
i. Eating or drinking, except water.
ii. Filming or photography involving a tripod or other supporting structures.
iii. Filming and photography that impedes public access and enjoyment of the area.
iv. Filming or photography (including the use of phone or portable electronic device) in the Washington Monument security screening area.
v. Skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding.
vi. Conducting a wreath or flower laying ceremony without a permit. Individuals may leave wreaths or flowers without a permit when not part of a ceremony. Wreaths left at memorials will remain in place no longer than one week and will be removed earlier if greenery and flowers are wilted or if severe weather or other safety conditions arise.
vii. Closed to permitted activities, except for specific national celebration events identified in 36 CFR 7.96(g)(4)(ii) and America250 events referred to in 36 CFR 7.96(g)(8). America250 events have priority over all other special event permitting.
viii. Sound amplification unless approved by the Superintendent in writing, including via permit.
ix. Honor guard or cordons must follow the same rules as the public unless their activities are part of a permitted event, in which case they must adhere to permit conditions and requirements.
x. Carrying or displaying ceremonial weapons, except by authorized individuals performing official duties within Military District of Washington, DC.
xi. Jogging, dancing, singing, climbing, or exercise-type activities, except as specified under a permit.
j. Federal Buildings.
i. The following Federal buildings are closed to the public during non-business hours or when unstaffed:
A. The building complex located at 1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, DC 20242 to include the property north of Ohio Dr. SW and west of Buckeye Dr. SW and adjacent parking lots to include the National Mall and Memorial Park Headquarters.
B. East Potomac Maintenance Yard.
C. Buckeye Building.
D. National Capital Regional Office.
E. USPP Headquarters.
F. USPP Central District Office.
ii. Federal buildings not identified above are closed to the public at all times including, but not limited to, Survey Lodge Ranger Station at 1601 Independence Ave SW; and park offices and the adjacent parking lot within the compound at 900 Ohio Drive SW.
iii. Meetings in Federal buildings are by appointment only, except for the Permits Office for the purpose of submitting permit applications.
iv. Possession of the items listed in Appendix A is prohibited within all Federal buildings and in all Memorial Restricted Areas.
k. Noise. Making an unreasonably loud noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is likely to annoy or disturb one or more other persons in their residences is prohibited. Amplified sound is prohibited at John Marshall Park when the United States District Court – District of Columbia at the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Court House is in session.
l. Vehicle Maintenance or Repair. Maintenance, repair (except for emergencies), washing, and waxing of any vehicle are prohibited.
m. Adventure activities. Climbing, rappelling, BASE jumping, bungee jumping, slacklining, parasailing, wind boarding, and gliding are prohibited.
n. Pet Memorialization. The scattering of pet ashes from cremation or any other pet remains is prohibited.
o. Use of Trees. Installing, attaching, or using any fixed tensioned ropes or webbing (e.g., slacklines) and other devices to trees and hanging items including swings and hammocks from trees is prohibited.
p. Ice skating. Ice skating is prohibited except on Constitution Gardens Lake when posted.
q. Kites. Flying kites must not negatively affect other visitors. All persons engaged in kite flying must make a reasonable effort to prevent resource damage, including collecting all kite materials Flying kites using glass-coated or other abrasive non-biodegradable kite string or line is prohibited.
r. Firearms. Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms in all Federal facilities (as defined in 18 USC § 930(g)(1)). Federal facilities are marked with signs at public entrances. Federal facilities include interior spaces within Memorial Restricted Areas; all park administrative and maintenance facilities buildings; USPP headquarters; the National Capital Region headquarters; East Potomac Golf Course; food service kiosks and information kiosks; and associated bookstores. The possession of firearms elsewhere within the park is governed by DC law.
s. Cleats. In accordance with the Record of Determination, dated November 18, 2016, the use of cleats is prohibited on the National Mall. This prohibition does not include East and West Potomac Parks and John F. Kennedy (JFK) Hockey Fields.
t. Tidal Basin. Pets are prohibited from all covered or chamber areas within the Tidal Basin, with the exception of service animals. The use of vessels within the Tidal Basin is prohibited, except for concessioner-provided boat rentals.
u. Fishing is prohibited except in the Potomac River, Washington Channel, Tidal Basin, and Constitution Gardens Lake. Fishing requires a DC fishing license.
v. Picnicking. Picnicking is prohibited in Memorial Restricted Areas. Groups of 25 or more may not picnic in the park without a permit. Reserved picnicking at Hains Point must be booked online through www.recreation.gov.
w. Golfing. Hitting golf balls outside the boundaries of East Potomac Golf Course is prohibited.
x. Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. Filming and photography is prohibited outside of normal visiting hours.
y. Ford’s Theater National Historical Site.
i. The Presidential Box and roped-off areas of the Petersen House are closed to the public.
ii. The entire Site is closed to permitted activities, except that the NPS may sponsor no more than four (4) special events per year in partnership with the park’s official non-profit partner, the Ford’s Theatre Society, to educate the public about the partnership and to support stewardship of the site.
iii. Filming and photography is prohibited in the Presidential Box and outside of normal visiting hours, rehearsals, and performances.
z. Temporary Structure Height. The height of temporary structures may not exceed 45 feet to remain beneath the tree canopy, to protect the viewshed of the National Mall, and to support the safety and security of park areas. The 45-foot height restriction does not apply to temporary construction equipment such as cranes for construction projects or to temporary communications structures necessary to support security and safety at mass public gatherings in the park.
aa. Water Features. Park-constructed water features means fountains, basins (including the Tidal Basin), and pools, but do not include natural water features such as the Potomac River. Items may not be placed into any park-constructed water feature, except for wind-powered and radio-controlled model boats in Constitution Gardens Lake, and other objects in Constitution Gardens Lake pursuant to a permit.
bb. Statues. Climbing, marking, or hanging any item on statues is prohibited. The Vietnam Women's, Martin Luther King, Jr., Vietnam Veterans, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials are designed to allow visitors to lightly touch the statuary located at each memorial. Light touching is allowed at these locations unless it impacts park resources or values, creates an unsafe or unhealthy environment, or unreasonably interferes with the commemorative atmosphere of the memorials.
cc. Chalk, Paint, Dye, and Markings.
i. The use of chalk, paint, dye, or other materials to mark statues, memorials, roadways, trails, sidewalks, plazas, hardscapes, walls, buildings, structures, signs, waysides, trees, turf areas and any other object or area in the park is prohibited except as authorized by a permit.
ii. The use of paint, dye, or any other substance to change the color of water in any of the park’s pools, fountains, or bodies of water is prohibited except as authorized by a permit.
dd. Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording. Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.
i. Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
ii. Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
iii. Filming and still photography inside Ford’s Theater and the Peterson House, within Ford’s Theater National Historical Site, requires a permit.
iv. Filming and still photography inside the house and on the grounds of Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument requires a permit.
v. Filming and still photography in all Federal buildings requires a permit.
vi. If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.
ee. Washington Monument. Possession of the following items which could reasonably threaten public safety and security is prohibited within the Washington Monument restricted area identified in 36 CFR 7.96(g)(3)(ii)(E):
i. The items listed in Appendix A.
ii. Suitcases, duffel bags, or backpacks larger than 18” x 16” x 8”, strollers, food (except for a small quantity of sealed food items), or beverages (except water, milk, or baby formula in clear plastic containers).
ff. Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. Private-tented events and other permitted events at Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument must be scheduled outside of public visitation hours and have a direct connection to the mission and interpretive themes identified in the Monument’s Foundation Document, which are Community of women, Action through legislation, Non-violent civil disobedience, The role of the National Woman’s Party, Women’s movement history, Minorities in the suffrage movement, and the International influence of the National Woman’s Party.
gg. Turf and Tree Panels.
i. Special events and demonstrations may take place on turf areas provided that these activities follow requirements in the NPS Turf Management and Event Operations Guide for the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Unauthorized vehicles (including golf carts, carts, pedicabs, trucks, automobiles, or bicycles) may not drive or park on turf. Driving on turf with approved protective material is limited to Level II and Level III turf areas, as identified in the Guide.
ii. Set up for a demonstration or event within any tree panel is prohibited except as approved by the Superintendent, including via permit.
iii. Digging, staking, or otherwise damaging turf is prohibited other than pursuant to terms of a permit. Access to turf is prohibited during frost, saturated conditions, or conditions that would cause turf damage.
hh. Commemorative Protective Zone (CPZ). Expressive activity is permitted within CPZs provided it does not involve the use of physical structures, installations, or other items that create ground contact, obstruction, or extended occupation of space. Extended occupation of space means the placement or maintenance of persons or property in a fixed location for a duration or in a manner that materially interferes with visitor circulation, commemorative experience, operational access, or resource protection. Within CPZ boundaries, the following categories of conduct are prohibited absent explicit written authorization by the Superintendent for official commemorative ceremonies:
i. Structures or installations
ii. Tents
iii. Stages
iv. Screens
v. Sound amplification that exceeds permit conditions
vi. Commercial activities
vii. Sleeping/encampment behavior
viii. Unattended/abandoned property
ix. Photography is limited to handheld devices. Using equipment that creates ground contact, obstruction, or extended occupation of space (including tripods, stands, or similar supports) is prohibited.
x. Other items not otherwise listed that create ground contact, obstruction, or extended occupation of space
These restrictions apply uniformly without regard to the content, viewpoint, or message of any expressive activity and are intended to regulate physical impacts and operational conflicts rather than expressive content.
ii. Commemorative Buffer Zone (CBZ). Within CBZ boundaries, NPS may limit or condition activities to prevent structures, staging, loading, and event operations that could impact resources or commemorative views or setting. CBZ standards are mapped and posted; permits are evaluated case by case to ensure compatibility with memorial design intent and visitor experience. Any limitations or conditions applied within the CBZ will be based on objective, site-specific considerations, including prevention of viewshed obstruction, maintenance of visitor circulation and access, avoidance of conflicts with permitted uses, and protection of operational and emergency access requirements. These determinations will be applied in a content-neutral manner and documented as part of the permitting or operational review process.
jj. Use of Personal Mobility Devices. Except as specific in this Compendium for visitors with disabilities:
i. The use and commercial provision of personal mobility devices are governed by DC law and by any applicable District Department of Transportation Permit Operator Agreement for the Public Right of Way Occupancy. Applicable DC law is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of DC law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
ii. Personal mobility devices may operate only on designated sidewalk routes or multi-use trails in the following locations:
A. On the National Mall and Memorial Parks adjacent to 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 14th Streets NW and between Constitution and Independence Avenues NW.
B. Along Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 15th Streets NW, including Freedom Plaza.
C. Along Ohio Drive SW between East Basin Drive and the entrance of East Potomac Golf Course.
D. National Mall route (see park website map below).
E. West Potomac Park loop (see park website map below).
These designated sidewalk routes and multi-use trails are more fully described in the Record of Determination for a Public Use Limitation on Segway® and Personal Mobility Vehicles available on the park website: https://www.nps.gov/nama/learn/management/record-of-determination-for-a-public-use-limitation-on-segway-and-personal-mobility-vehicles.htm
iii. Users of personal mobility devices also must adhere to DC regulations on the operation of personal mobility devices and to the following operating standards:
A. A person shall operate any personal mobility device in a safe and non-hazardous manner so not to endanger oneself or any other person. Operators of personal mobility devices must exercise appropriate reasonable care in recognition of the park’s pedestrians and other visitors, and that the park’s sidewalks and trails may contain seams, cracks, and other imperfections.
B. Personal mobility devices may not be operated at speeds above 8 M.P.H.
C. Personal mobility devices shall be parked alongside bicycle racks throughout the park. A map of bicycle racks is available on the park website: https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/maps.htm
D. Personal mobility devices may not be used in Memorial Restricted Areas or on the steps, colonnades, or within the chambers of the District of Columbia War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, or Thomas Jefferson Memorial. These devices may be left outside or walked through memorials and along Tidal Basin walks.
kk. Buses.
i. Buses are allowed on all park roads and parking areas, except as noted below and subject to the following conditions:
A. Buses may not stop, stand, load, or unload in the bus stops designated for Big Bus Tours, the interpretive bus tour concessioner for the park.
B. Bus loading and unloading is restricted to drop-off and pick-up zones indicated by signage.
C. Buses may not park or stand on East Basin Drive SW.
D. Bus idling is prohibited except during loading and unloading of passengers. Consistent with DC law, buses may idle for no more than three minutes, unless temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit in which case buses may idle for no more than five minutes. See DC Municipal Regulations Section 20-900.
E. Bus parking is prohibited except at signed, parking meter locations at the bus rate.
F. Lincoln Memorial Circle (except as allowed in Section ll.ii.D below), Hains Point, and roads within the office complex at 1100 Ohio Drive SW are closed to buses.
ll. Restricted Roads.
i. The following roads are closed to public access:
A. Ash Road between Independence Ave SW and the South Elm Walk.
B. Survey Lodge access road.
C. Access road between East Basin Drive and the Jefferson Memorial.
D. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Ceremonial Loop.
E. Lincoln Memorial Circle from Henry Bacon Drive NW to Daniel French Drive SW east of the Memorial, and from 23rd St. SW to the Arlington Memorial Bridge.
ii. The following park roads are closed to public access except for tour buses and tour vehicles, taxicabs, and vehicles with handicap markers/decals or handicap visitors loading or unloading:
A. 23rd Street SW (south of Lincoln Memorial).
B. Daniel French Drive.
C. Home Front Drive.
D. Lincoln Memorial Circle from 23 St. SW to Daniel French Drive SW.
mm. Snow and Emergency Roads. Constitution and Independence Avenues are designated as snow emergency and emergency evacuation routes. All vehicles parked or disabled on these roads during emergencies are subject to immediate towing without prior notification.
nn. Parking.
i. The NPS manages parking meters in the park through an agreement with DC. The hours, rate and days for meter operation will be 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (except for rush hour restricted Constitution Avenue and except December 25). Meters accept credit cards and the ParkMobile parking app as payment. Parking meter rates are consistent with those for meters throughout the District. More information is available on the park website: https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/parking-meter-faq.htm.
ii. Parking is prohibited in public parking areas within the park from 1:00 am to 5:00 am. The park parking map is available here: https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/maps.htm
oo. Balloons. Balloons are prohibited, except as authorized pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. Large helium-filled balloons may be carried in a permitted parade and cold-air filled balloon structures may be placed in the park as part of a permitted activity. Permitted balloons must always remain tethered and all reasonable efforts must be made to recover any lost balloons.
pp. Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of the park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent. Pursuant to 14 CFR § 73.13, aircraft to include UAS are prohibited within the restricted air space (P-56) surrounding the White House, the U.S. Capitol and the Memorial Core from the U. S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Permission to enter the P-56 airspace requires coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration for access to controlled airspace. For security reasons and the safety of crowds, the prohibition extends south of the P-56 airspace to include West Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and East Potomac Park, including Hains Point.
qq. Tents. Private-tented events are limited to the West Potomac Park private reception area, Henry Bacon Ball Field, Constitution Gardens Plaza, and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument, and other locations authorized by the Superintendent. West Potomac Park and Constitution Gardens should be used as the primary reception locations whenever possible.
rr. Stakes. During permitted events, personal tents, shelters, volleyball nets, or other structures anchored by stakes less than ten (10) inches in length are allowed in most park areas, if specifically authorized by a permit. Anchoring with stakes over ten (10) inches is allowed only by permit in certain locations identified in the NPS Turf Management and Event Operations Guide for the National Mall and Memorial Parks.
ss. Glass Beverage Containers. Glass beverage containers are prohibited except for use within the permitted area during private tented events.
tt. Pyrotechnics, Fireworks, Smoke, Fog, and Sparklers. Light and atmospheric displays such as pyrotechnics, fireworks, smoke, fog, and sparklers are prohibited except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit and in accordance with applicable DC law.
uu. Projected Lights and Lasers. Projecting images, lights, and lasers on memorials is prohibited, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. Projecting images, lights or lasers is prohibited in all other areas except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
vv. Winter Recreational Activities. Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and other similar activities are allowed on the Hains Point sidewalk area and on grass or sidewalk sections of the National Mall when snow completely covers the surface and is deep enough so that no equipment comes in contact with grass or paved surfaces.
ww. Recreational Equipment. Cones, bases, goals, and other items may not be left overnight. All such equipment will be impounded.
xx. Weddings. Weddings may occur pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit, but only at the following approved areas the DC War Memorial, west side of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the George Mason Memorial. Reception tents and other types of support structures are prohibited.
yy. Parades. No more than eight (8) parades per calendar year are allowed in the park from 7th to 23rd Streets NW along Constitution Avenue NW. No more than two parades per quarter may occur annually. During the Presidential Inauguration, the parade will take place along Pennsylvania Avenue 4th to 17th Streets NW with logistical support along NPS jurisdiction sidewalks and plazas adjacent to Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Permit applicants are responsible for complying with all legal requirements for any portion of a permitted event that may include lands, streets, roadways, airspace, or other areas that are not under NPS jurisdiction. The increase in the maximum number of parades from previous years (no more than four parades per calendar year) is to allow for permit applicants to conduct America250 events referred to in 36 CFR 7.96(g)(8). America250 events have priority over all other special event permitting.
zz. Sporting Events.
i. Permits are required from April 1 to September 30 for the use of all athletic fields located within the park. At all other times, these fields are opened on a first use basis. Fields may be closed as part of an annual rehabilitation and maintenance program. The NPS does not issue permits for sport activities on the Washington Monument grounds nor the Mall between 3rd – 15th Streets. The following areas require a permit, except as noted:
A. The three multi-use fields south of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (the JFK Hockey Fields).
B. The multi-use field on Hains Point.
C. Fields bounded by Independence Avenue, Ohio Drive and West Basin Drive.
D. The 900 Ohio Drive ball field.
E. The Henry Bacon Drive softball fields. Can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov.
F. The FDR softball fields. Can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov.
G. The softball fields at 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue and at 23rd Street and Independence Avenue. Can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov.
H. The Raoul Wallenberg Place multiuse field. Can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov.
I. The volleyball courts northwest of the Lincoln Memorial on the east side of the park walkway (Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts). Courts 1-9 can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov. Courts 10 and 11 are set aside as challenge courts and are available on a on a first come, first served basis. For volleyball tournaments, courts must be permitted through the National Mall and Memorial Parks Division of Permits Management. Courts 1-9 are available for tournament play. Courts 10 and 11 must remain open for unreserved play.
ii. For visitor safety, softball must be played on designated softball fields. Softball play is prohibited on the Washington Monument grounds (the area within a boundary defined by Constitution Ave. NW, 17th St. NW and SW, Independence Ave. SW, and 14th St. NW and SW) because no softball fields are present in this area.
iii. Specific information about organized runs, races, and biking events can be found in the Record of Determination for the Continued Public Use Limitation Guidelines for Footraces, Organized Runs and Bicycle Events in National Mall and Memorial Parks dated September 22, 2016.
aaa. Temporary Artwork Installation. Temporary unattended artwork installations are prohibited except pursuant to a permit. With the exception of projects with substantial involvement and approval by the NPS to accomplish NPS mission and goals, the NPS will not permit temporary artwork installations within the Reserve area as defined by the Commemorative Works Act (CWA; 40 U.S.C. § 8902(a)(3)) and depicted on the map entitled "Commemorative Areas Washington, DC and Environs", numbered 869/86501 B, and dated June 24, 2003.
bbb. News Media.
i. Restricted areas and other Federal regulations apply to all activities by news media. Rules for news media activity at or near Memorial Restricted Areas are available by contacting the National Mall and Memorial Parks Office of Communications.
ii. Parking for satellite and microwave trucks and transmission vehicles may be made available for news events at the discretion of the NPS. Parking locations for these vehicles will be announced to the media via media advisory. Parking will not be made available for crew cars or any other vehicles.
iii. Media vehicles may not block or intrude on public access or block handicap ramps.
iv. Overnight parking of news media vehicles is not permitted on park property without written authorization. The National Mall and Memorial Parks Office of Communications must give permission if overnight parking is deemed necessary and will inform USPP.
v. News media vehicles must always be attended, unless otherwise directed by USPP.
vi. For large scale events with limited space for media operations, the NPS reserves the right to require media outlets to make pooling arrangements.
vii. Media related activity cannot interfere with public visitation or other permitted activities. Areas open to the public must always remain open to the public.
viii. Cables crossing public walkways must be covered and cannot be draped over any walls.
ix. The NPS reserves the right to disapprove and require removal of news media set-ups that create safety hazards or other impairments.
x. All camera and associated equipment must be portable and self-contained with all stands on hard surfaces having rubber tips or matting as a base.
