News Release

National Park Service Advancing Major Park Beautification and Infrastructure Improvements across Washington, D.C.

The fountain at Bolivar Park, which will soon be operational again

National Park Service photo

News Release Date: January 8, 2026

Contact: [e-mail]

WASHINGTON — The National Park Service is undertaking a comprehensive effort to restore fountains, rehabilitate historic landscapes and address aging park infrastructure across Washington, D.C. 

This work supports President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14252, Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful, which calls for coordinated federal action to enhance the safety, cleanliness and visual quality of Washington’s public spaces. The projects also support preparations for the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026 under Executive Order 14189, Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. 

Many of Washington’s historic park features show signs of decades of weathering, heavy public use and outdated systems. Through this coordinated, citywide approach, the National Park Service is modernizing mechanical systems, conserving historic stonework and sculpture, restoring landscapes and improving surrounding park amenities so these spaces remain safe, reliable and welcoming for visitors while protecting nationally significant historic resources. 

Work will occur in phases at multiple locations. The public may experience temporary closures or access limitations at individual sites, so construction and maintenance can proceed safely. The National Park Service will provide updates as work progresses and will reopen areas as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Fountains and water features being rehabilitated or upgraded as part of this effort include the following:
 

Inoperable fountains being rehabilitated and returned to service 

• Columbus Plaza (Massachusetts Avenue NW at Union Station) 
• Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 13th Street NW and 14th Street NW) 
• John Marshall Park (Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 4th Street NW) 
• John Paul Jones Memorial (Independence Avenue SW at 17th Street) 
• Lafayette Square (Pennsylvania Avenue NW at H Street NW) 
• Meridian Hill Park (W Street NW between 15th Street NW and 16th Street NW) 
• Philip Sheridan Memorial (Massachusetts Avenue NW at 23rd Street NW) 
• Rawlins Park (E Street NW between 18th Street NW and 19th Street NW) 
• Simon Bolívar Memorial (C Street NW at 18th Street NW) 

Operational fountains receiving maintenance and system upgrades 

• Dupont Circle (Massachusetts Avenue NW at Connecticut Avenue NW) 
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 
• George Mason Memorial 
• Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II (Louisiana Avenue NW at New Jersey Avenue NW) 
• Korean War Veterans Memorial 
• National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (E Street NW between 4th Street NW and 5th Street NW) 
• Taras Shevchenko Memorial (P Street NW at 22nd Street NW) 
• United States Navy Memorial (Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 7th Street NW and 9th Street NW) 
• World War II Memorial  

The National Park Service thanks residents and visitors for their patience during this work. These projects reflect a long-term investment in the care of Washington’s parks and public spaces, ensuring they are safe, resilient and ready to welcome visitors for the nation’s 250th anniversary and beyond. 

NPS