II. HOURS OF OPERATION, CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITATIONS
The specific discretionary authority for Park Superintendents to establish reasonable schedules for visiting hours, impose public use limits, and close park areas for all public use or specific use is found at 36 CFR 1.5. These park-specific restrictions are also based upon 36 CFR, Chapters 1-7 to protect park resources, visitors, and employees, as well as the National Park Service (NPS) Management Policies. Under CFR 1.7, notice of all restrictions, closures, designations, and permit requirements will be made available to the general public by at least one or more of the following methods of notification: maps, brochures, signs, permits, websites, or other appropriate methods, as well as within this compendium. Finally, any Records of Determination are available upon request under 36 CFR 1.5(c).
Pursuant to 36 CFR 1.5 the following sections note closures, public use limits or restrictions applicable within National Mall and Memorial Parks. Other closures may occur.
A) Schedule of Visiting Hours.
Outdoor Sites. All memorials and outdoor sites managed by National Mall and Memorial Parks are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week unless otherwise noted. Rangers circulate throughout the sites listed below from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm daily to answer questions and provide interpretive programs with the exception of December 25. The United States Park Police (USPP) monitors sites from 8:00 pm to 9:30 am. The sites include
- Lincoln Memorial
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- Constitution Gardens
Indoor and Facility Sites. NAMA manages indoor and public facility sites that are generally 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 contacting the sites listed below, visiting the National Mall and Memorial Parks website (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.
1) 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 at the beginning of each month for routine maintenance. Tickets are required for entry and are limited based on the safety capacity of visitors inside the monument. Tickets are available at the Washington Monument Lodge starting at 8:30 a.m. and online at www.recreation.gov.
2) Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site: 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.
3) Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument: Open Friday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving and December 25.
4) Lockkeeper’s House: Generally open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. as staffing and funding allow.
5) U.S Park Police Horse Stables Education Center: Generally open to the public Thursday - Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. as staffing and funding allow.
6) 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.
B) Public Use Closures.
1) Washington Monument interior staircase is closed to the public due to visitor safety concerns, lack of accessibility, security issues, and past resource damage to the commemorative stones. On limited occasions, the Superintendent will authorize stair walkdowns that support the operations and mission of the NPS.
2) Access to the roofs and interior understructures of any memorial is prohibited due to visitor safety concerns, protection of the historic resources, and security issues. On limited occasions, the Superintendent will authorize access to memorial roofs and understructures for specific activities that support the operations and mission of the NPS.
3) East Potomac Park including 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, for permitted special events, or as needed to address and/or mitigate temporary public safety issues as determined by USPP. These temporary closures may include visitors on foot, bicycle, and other non-motorized vehicles as determined by NPS or USPP staff. East Potomac Park is 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.
4) Washington Monument and other memorials may close for high winds, weather conditions, mechanical failure, or other emergency situations.
5) Other areas of the park may be closed for special use permits, resource management and protection, public safety concerns, maintenance or roadwork, and other nonemergency reasons. In those cases, fences or signage may be used to indicate the closure, and a notification or Record of Determination will be posted either through the National Mall and Memorial Parks website or in the Park’s permit office.
C) Public Use Limitations.
The following public use limitations are in place.
1) Restricted Areas. Per regulation (36 CFR 7.96(g)(3)(ii)), demonstrations and special events are not allowed in the following park areas:
a. The Washington Monument including the area enclosed within the inner circle that surrounds the Monument's base, except for the official annual commemorative Washington birthday ceremony.
b. The Lincoln Memorial, which means that portion of the park area which is on the same level or above the base of the large marble columns surrounding the structure, and the single series of marble stairs immediately adjacent to and below that level, except for the official annual commemorative Lincoln birthday ceremony.
c. The Jefferson Memorial, which means the circular portion of the Jefferson Memorial enclosed by the outermost series of columns, and all portions on the same levels or above the base of these columns, except for the official annual commemorative Jefferson birthday ceremony.
d. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, except for official annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day commemorative ceremonies.
In addition to memorial restricted areas delineated in 36 CFR 7.96, the following areas are also restricted from public gathering permit activities under policy:
a. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial with the exception of the Prologue Room;
b. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Stone of Hope area and Plaza;
c. Korean War Veterans Memorial plaza area;
d. World War I Memorial’s Pershing Memorial plaza area and steps west of the Peace Fountain;
e. World War II Memorial’s Freedom Wall Plaza, Field of Gold Stars, and the Circle of Remembrance (Contemplative Area); and the
f. Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial’s capitol dome view corridor, turf areas, and the memorial core plaza area.
g. The U.S. Park Police Horse Stables Education Center and the Lockkeepers House are restricted from public gathering permits for events; however, the NPS may sponsor no more than 3-4 events per year at each location 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.
Maps of memorial restricted areas are available at the park website here:
https://go.nps.gov/restrictedareas
2)
Public Use Limitations for Restricted Areas
In addition to the prohibition against demonstrations and special events, the following activities are not allowed within memorials as defined by the landscaped or constructed components of the commemorative work, or within restricted areas:
a. Eating or drinking (except water) are prohibited within the memorials and restricted areas.
b. Conducting a wreath or flower laying ceremony without a NPS permit is prohibited within memorials and restricted areas. 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.
c. Sound amplification within memorial restricted areas is prohibited unless approved by the Superintendent through the Division of Permits Management. Sound equipment outside of the memorials may not unreasonably disturb nonparticipating persons in, or in the vicinity of, the area per 36 C.F.R. 7.96(g)(5)(xi).
d. Honor guard or cordons must follow the same rules as the public unless their activities are included as part of a permitted event, in which case they must adhere to permit conditions and requirements.
e. Carrying or display of ceremonial weapons within memorials and restricted areas is prohibited with the exception of the Military District of Washington, D.C.
f. Jogging, dancing, singing, climbing, or exercise-type activities are prohibited in memorials and restricted areas.
g. Filming and photography involving a tripod or other supporting structures are prohibited from within memorial restricted areas. Hand-held filming and photography is allowed in these areas.
3)
Temporary Structure Height. The height of temporary structures within the park is restricted to no more than 45 feet to remain beneath the tree canopy, 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.
4)
Water Features. Park-constructed water features include fountains, basins (including the Tidal Basin), and pools, but do not include natural water features such as the Potomac River. No items may be placed into any park-constructed water feature, with the following exceptions:
a. Wind-powered and radio-powered model boats may be placed in Constitution Gardens Lake without a permit;
b. Other items may be placed in Constitution Gardens Lake only pursuant to a permit.
No items may be placed in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool or in the Tidal Basin.
5)
Filming and Photography
This section details filming and photography restrictions, conditions, public use limitations, closures and other designations that are allowed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent. Specific guidance related to filming and photography is also available under the following sections in Public Use Limitations: Restricted Areas; Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site; and Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument; and under the section on Public Notices and News Media.
a. Permits are not required for pictures or videos taken by the visiting public documenting their visit, i.e., that are not commercial filming.
b. National Mall and Memorial Parks and other DC area National Park Service parks require a permit for all photography and filming that is not categorized as general visitor use. When in doubt if a permit is needed, contact the Division of Permits Management prior to going to the park to shoot photos or video. Further information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/filming-and-photography-permits.htm
i. Filming and photography with a tripod or other supporting structures is prohibited in CFR Restricted Areas and the areas described in the “Restricted Areas” subsection under Public Use Limits in this Compendium (Section II.C.1). Filming and photography may occur in CFR Restricted Areas and the areas described in the “Restricted Areas” subsection under Public Use Limits in this Compendium (Section II.C.1) using hand-held equipment only that does not impede public access and enjoyment of the area.
ii. Filming or photography is prohibited in areas closed to the public.
iii. Filming or photography of any kind including the use of phone and portable electronic devices is prohibited in the Washington Monument security screening area.
iv. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued may result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.
c. The Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:
• maintain public health and safety;
• protect environmental or scenic values;
• protect natural or cultural resources;
• allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities; or
• avoid conflict among visitor use activities.
If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request. The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner.
6)
Washington Monument public-use security limitations prohibit certain items which could reasonably threaten public safety and security. See Appendix A for a full listing of prohibited items. Additionally, 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) are not permitted within the Washington Monument.
7)
Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site
a) Areas closed to the public include the Presidential Box and roped-off areas of the Petersen House.
b) NPS restricts public gathering permits for events at Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site; however, the NPS may sponsor no more than 4 events per year at each location 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.
c) Commercial filming and photography are allowed within the interior of both Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House, excluding the Presidential Box, provided a permit is obtained and the filming takes place outside of normal visiting hours, rehearsals, and performances.
8)
Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument
a) 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 site mission and interpretive themes identified in the site Foundation Document: 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.
b) Commercial filming and photography are allowed on the house and grounds provided a permit is obtained and the filming takes place outside of normal visiting hours.
8)
Mall Turf Panels. Pursuant to Secretarial Order No. 3326 dated January 24, 2013, and in accordance with the NPS Turf Management and Event Operations Guide for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, public use limitations and partial/temporary closure procedures exist to protect the Mall Turf Panels. Special events and demonstrations may take place on turf areas provided that these activities follow permit conditions in the NPS Turf Management and Event Operations Guide for the National Mall and Memorial Parks:
https://www.nps.gov/nama/learn/management/turf-management-manual.htm
9)
Mall Tree Panels. Set up within any tree panel of the Mall is prohibited except as approved by the Superintendent.
10)
Park offices, parking lots and office complexes. Federal buildings managed by National Mall and Memorial Parks are not public facilities. Meetings at these federal buildings are by appointment only. Public-use security limitations prohibit certain items which could reasonably threaten public safety and security from entering the listed Federal buildings. See Appendix A for a full listing of prohibited items. Federal buildings include
a) 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, East Potomac Maintenance Yard, Buckeye Building, National Capital Regional Office, United States Park Police Headquarters, and the United States Park Police Central District Office. These offices are closed to the public during non-business hours or when un-staffed.
b) Survey Lodge Ranger Station at 1601 Independence Ave SW are park offices and are not open to the public.
c) Park offices and the adjacent park lot within the compound at 900 Ohio Drive SW are not open to the public.
11)
Noise Limitations. The following noise limitations are in effect on National Mall and Memorial Parks:
a) Per code of the District of Columbia (§ 22–1321. Disorderly conduct) it is unlawful for a person to make 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.
b) Amplified sound is not allowed, and will not be permitted, 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.
D) Transportation or Vehicles in National Mall and Memorial Parks.
1)
Visitors with Disabilities. Pursuant to the Record of Determination dated March 22, 2010, any park visitor with a disability is permitted to use a motorized personal mobility device throughout the park, including all structures, facilities, park roads, sidewalks, trails and other surfaces when such devices are used for the sole purpose of mobility assistance and shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian.
2)
Motorized Personal Mobility Devices.
a) Except as specified in this Compendium, the use and commercial provision of Motorized Personal Mobility Devices such as Segways®, scooters, and e-bikes within the National Mall and Memorial Parks is governed by District of Columbia law and by any applicable District Department of Transportation Shared Fleet Device Public Right of Way Occupancy Permit. Applicable District of Columbia law is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State or District of Columbia law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
b) Unless operated by a person with a disability, motorized personal mobility devices such as Segways®, scooters, and e-bikes may only operate on designated sidewalk routes or multi-use trails. Motorized personal mobility devices may be used in the following locations:
i. On the National Mall and Memorial Parks adjacent to 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 14th Streets NW and between Constitution and Independence Avenues NW
ii. Along Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 15th Streets NW, including Freedom Plaza
iii. Along Ohio Drive SW between East Basin Drive and the entrance of East Potomac Golf Course
iv. National Mall route (see park website map below)
v. West Potomac Park loop (see park website map below)
These designated park 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
c) Users of motorized personal mobility devices must also adhere to the following operating standards, most of which are also required under District of Columbia regulations on safe use of electric personal assistive mobility device:
i. No person under 16 years of age may operate a motorized personal mobility device, except for a park visitor using the device for the sole purpose of mobility assistance with the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian.
ii. A person shall operate any motorized personal mobility device in a safe and non-hazardous manner so not to endanger oneself or any other person. The maximum speed of the motorized personal mobility device will not exceed 8 M.P.H.
iv. Motorized Personal Mobility Devices may not be used in memorials. These devices may be left outside or walked through memorials and along Tidal Basin walks.
v. Motorized Personal Mobility Devices are not allowed on the steps, colonnades, or within the chambers of the District of Columbia War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, or Thomas Jefferson Memorial, nor allowed inside the Washington Monument.
3)
Pedicabs. Pursuant to a Record of Determination dated June 29, 2012, pedicabs are allowed on park roads available to public vehicle traffic within the boundaries of National Mall and Memorial Parks. Pedicabs are prohibited on multi-use trails and sidewalks. Use of pedicabs is prohibited except on park roads. Pedicabs are allowed to stage/wait for passengers only in those locations designated with a sign as a Pedicab Stand. Pedicab operators are required to always have a valid NPS issued Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Identification card visible while operating in the park. Pedicabs with a motor of any kind (including "electric start” or “assist motors") are not allowed to operate in the park. Pedicab CUA requirements follow the DC code for Pedicabs at 18 DCMR 1213, which states “Pedicabs shall be operated in accordance with the safe operation of bicycle regulations set forth in § 1201”.
4)
Bicycles
a) 36 CFR 4.30 prohibits the use of bicycles except on park roads, in parking areas, and on routes designated for bicycle use. Bicycles are allowed on sidewalks outside of the memorials; however, bicycle users must walk their bicycles through the memorials and along Tidal Basin walks. Bicycles are not allowed on the steps, colonnades, or within the chambers of District of Columbia War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, or the Washington Monument.
b) Commercial or guided bicycle groups are not permitted in 36 CFR 7.96 restricted areas or areas restricted by policy (see Restricted Areas).
d) E-bikes--Under the authority of 54 U.S.C. Section 100751(a) and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations §1.5(a)(2) the Superintendent is designating the following areas for a specific use or activity.
i. The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).
ii. E-bikes are allowed in the National Mall and Memorial Parks where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
iii. A person operating an e-bike must comply with the directions of a traffic control device (36 CFR 4.12), must not stop or park on a park road or operate the e-bike so slowly on a road to interfere with traffic (36 CFR 4.13), must yield the right of way to pedestrians (36 CFR 4.20), must adhere to posted speed limits (36 CFR 4.21), must not operate in an unsafe manner (36 CFR 4.22), must not operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs (36 CFR 4.23), and must adhere to regulations on the operation of bicycles under 36 CFR 4.30.
iv. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor exclusively to move an electric bicycle for an extended period of time without pedaling is prohibited (per 36 CFR 4.30(i)(3)).
v. Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within the National Mall and Memorial Parks is governed by District of Columbia law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
5)
No Vehicles on Turf. No unauthorized vehicles (including golf carts, carts, pedicabs, trucks, or bicycles) are allowed to drive or park on park turf. Driving on turf with approved protective material is limited to Zone III turf areas, as identified in the NPS Turf Management and Event Operations Guide for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, available here:
https://www.nps.gov/nama/learn/management/turf-management-manual.htm
6)
No Vehicle Maintenance or Repair. Maintenance, repair (except for emergencies), washing, and waxing of any vehicle are prohibited in all park areas.
7)
Buses.
a) No buses are allowed to stop/stand/load or unload in the bus stops designated for DC Circulator and Big Bus Tours, the National Mall and Memorial Parks’ interpretive bus tour Concessioner.
b) Bus loading/unloading is restricted to drop-off and pick-up zones indicated by signage. No bus parking/standing is authorized at any of the memorials at any time.
c) Bus idling is prohibited in all areas except during loading and unloading of passengers. DC idling regulations apply (DC Municipal regulations rule 4478701-20-900 ONROAD ENGINE IDLING AND NONROAD DIESEL ENGINE IDLING) which allow 3 minutes of idling, except when temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 5 minutes are allowed.
d) Bus parking is authorized at signed, parking meter locations at the bus rate.
e) Lincoln Circle is only authorized for bus use by Circulator and the NPS authorized interpretive bus service, and other government vehicles.
8)
Restricted Roads. Park roads with restricted public access include 23rd Street SW, south of Lincoln Memorial, Daniel French Drive, and Home Front Drive. Exceptions are made for government vehicles, tour buses and tour vehicles, taxicabs, and vehicles with handicap markers/decals or handicap visitors loading or unloading.
9)
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.
10)
Parking Meters. The National Mall and Memorial Parks manages parking meters in the park through an agreement with the District of Columbia. 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); $2.30 per hour, every day 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
11)
Parking. 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
E) Recreational Activities within National Mall and Memorial Parks.
1)
Balloons. All balloons are prohibited in the park, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Superintendent. As a condition of a park permit, large helium-filled balloons may be carried in a parade under a permit and cold-air filled balloon structures may be placed on parklands. Such permitted balloons must always remain tethered, and all reasonable efforts must be made to recover any lost balloons. Due to danger to wildlife, the use of all other balloons is prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent.
2)
Kites. Flying kites using glass-coated or other abrasive non-biodegradable kite string or line in the park is prohibited. The flying of 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.
3)
Unmanned Aircraft.
a). Pursuant to 36 CFR 1.5 and a Record of Determination dated August 13, 2014, the launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the National Mall and Memorial Parks is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
b). Pursuant to 14 CFR 73.13, aircraft to include Unmanned Aircraft Systems (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.
c). For security reasons and the safety of crowds, the National Mall and Memorial Parks has extended the prohibition of unmanned aircraft south of the P-56 airspace to include West Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and East Potomac Park, including Hains Point.
4)
Parasailing, windboarding, and gliding are prohibited in the park.
5)
Golfing. Hitting golf balls outside the boundaries of East Potomac Golf Course is prohibited.
6)
Tents.
a). 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. West Potomac Park and Constitution Gardens should be used as the primary reception locations whenever possible.
b). Glass beverage containers may be used within the permitted area for private tented events.
c). During permitted events, personal tents, shelters, volleyball nets, or other structures anchored by stakes less than eight (10) inches in length are allowable in most park areas. Anchoring with stakes over eight (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.
7)
Glass Beverage Containers. Glass beverage containers are prohibited throughout the park except for use during private tented events.
8)
Fishing is permitted in the Potomac River, Washington Channel, Tidal Basin, and Constitution Gardens Lake and requires a DC Fishing license.
9)
Picnicking for groups under 25 people is allowed in most areas of the park but is not allowed in the 36 CFR 7.96 restricted areas of any memorial. Reserved picnicking at Hains Point must be booked online through
www.recreation.gov.
10)
Camping. Under 36 CFR 7.96(i)(1), camping is prohibited in all areas of the park.
11)
Pyrotechnics, Fireworks, Smoke, Fog, and Sparklers. All 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 laws of the District of Columbia.
12)
Projected Lights and Lasers. Projected images and lights on memorials are prohibited to retain the integrity of the memorial lighting design, support the contemplative atmosphere and visitor experience at the memorials, and further the designed intent of commemorative works. Projected lights and lasers are prohibited in all other areas except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
13)
Firearms.
a) As of February 22, 2010, P.L. 111-24 makes possession of firearms in national parks subject to local and state firearms laws. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit the District of Columbia’s website (
http://dc.gov/) or the following link for District of Columbia’s Official Code (
http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/dccode/).
● See Division I, Title 7, Subtitle J, Chapter 25
● See also Division IV, Title 22, Subtitle VI, Chapter 45
b) Federal law continues to prohibit firearms in all federal facilities within the park. Federal facilities are marked with signs at public entrances. Firearms are prohibited in interior spaces within the parks’ memorials; all park administrative and maintenance facilities buildings; U.S. Park Police headquarters; the National Capital Area headquarters; East Potomac Golf Course; food service kiosks and information kiosks; and associated bookstores.
14)
Winter Recreational Activities.
a) Ice-skating is permitted on Constitution Gardens Lake when posted and is prohibited at all other times and in all other park areas.
b) Winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and other similar activities are not permitted in CFR Restricted Areas and the areas described in the “Restricted Areas” subsection under Public Use Limits in this Compendium (Section II.C.1) . Those winter activities are permitted on 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.
15)
Recreational Equipment.
a) Cones, bases, goals, and other items left overnight will be considered abandoned and impounded pursuant to 36 CFR § 2.22.
b) Trash generated by sports or games, as well as equipment (including bases, cones, goals) must be picked up and removed from the park by the recreational users.
16)
Climbing, rappelling, BASE jumping, bungee jumping, and slacklining is prohibited. Installing, attaching, or using any fixed tensioned ropes and/or webbing (slacklines), and other devices to trees is prohibited, as this damages the trees.
17)
Turf Use. Turf is managed and protected to ensure a quality turf is available for all to enjoy throughout the year and to ensure no use or activity requires remediation that would prohibit the ability of others to use the area. Pursuant to the NPS Turf Management and Event Operations Guide for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, released on July 5, 2017, public use limitations and partial/temporary closure procedures exist to protect all turf areas including the Mall Turf Panels.
a) 36 CFR § 7.96(b)(2) prohibits all sports on wet lawns or when otherwise unsuitable for play without damage to the turf. Persons holding a permit to engage in athletics at certain times and at places authorized for this use are prohibited from exercising the privilege of play accorded by the permit if the grounds are wet or otherwise unsuitable for play.
b) In accordance with the Record of Determination, dated November 18, 2016, no cleats are allowed on the National Mall, however the wearing of cleats for sporting activities is allowed on the East and West Potomac Parks and John F. Kennedy (JFK) Hockey Fields.
c) Digging, staking, or otherwise damaging turf is prohibited other than pursuant to terms of a permit.
d) No access to turf is allowed during frosts, saturated conditions, or conditions that would cause turf damage. In such conditions, a Record of Determination for a Short-Term Closure of a Portion of the National Mall will be put in place pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.5. Notice of the closure will occur through signage, fencing, red flags, posting on the Park’s website or in the Park Permit Office, or by ranger or officer on-site direction. Violation is prohibited in accord with 36 CFR 7.96(b)(2) Wet grounds.
F) Significant Dates of National Commemoration and Remembrance.
Significant dates of national commemoration and remembrance are designated as national celebration or commemoration events at the Park. The National Park Service will manage the permitting process for commemorative ceremonies occurring at the memorials on these dates identified in 36 CFR 7.96(g)(4)(ii):
● Cherry Blossom Festival
● Fourth of July Celebration
● Smithsonian Folklife Festival
● Columbus Day Commemorative Wreath Laying
● Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies
The NPS will assist and provide limited support for partner permitted commemorative ceremonies occurring at the memorials for these dates identified in the NAMA Superintendent’s Compendium:
• Korean War Veterans Memorial: Memorial Day (last Monday of May); Invasion Day (June 25); Korean War Armistice Day (July 27); Veterans Day (November 11).
• Lincoln Memorial: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12).
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday (January 15); Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, (April 4);
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial: Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday (April 13).
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Memorial Day (last Monday in May); Veterans Day (November 11).
• Washington Monument: George Washington’s Birthday (February 22).
• World War II Memorial: Victory in Europe (VE) Day (May 8); Memorial Day (last Monday in May); Victory in Japan (VJ) Day (September 2); Veterans Day (November 11); Pearl Harbor Day (December 7).
• Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument: Alice Paul's Birthday (January 11); Alva Belmont's Birthday (January 17); Establishment of National Woman's Party (June 5); Women's Equality Day (ratification of 19th Amendment) (August 26).
• Eisenhower Memorial: Memorial Day (last Monday in May); Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Birthday (October 14); D-Day (June 6); Veterans Day (November 11)
• World War I Memorial: Memorial Day and Veterans Day
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15); Police Week (calendar week of each year during which May 15 occurs)
G) Temporary Artwork Installations.
The Superintendent may authorize temporary unattended artwork installations with a Special Use Permit (SUP) in specified areas of the park. With the exception of projects with substantial involvement and approval by the NPS to accomplish NPS mission and goals, the park 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.
