News Release

National Park Service Resumes Issuing Permits for Demonstrations and Events on the National Mall

Date: June 24, 2020
Contact: Mike Litterst, 202-306-4166

WASHINGTON – After a 13-week suspension of permitted activities on the National Mall to combat the spread of COVID-19, the National Park Service has resumed issuing permits for demonstrations and most other events on the National Mall.

A Record of Determination (ROD) suspending the acceptance of permit applications and cancelling previously issued permits expired yesterday and will not be extended, meaning permits can be issued for demonstrations, commercial filming and photography and special events. Organized sports will continue to be prohibited in the park, pending additional public health guidance. Resuming permitted activities marks a step in the Phase 2 reopening of park operations that will expand in July.

Permitting events allows the National Park Service to have a dialogue with organizers as they plan their events, so measures can be incorporated to keep the grounds well maintained for permitted groups and the public at large. Permits also spell out the conditions under which events may take place and can require organizers to make arrangements for proper first aid and emergency response, as well as hydration and cooling measures during summer months.

According to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, applicants will be encouraged to incorporate COVID-19 preventative measures such as social distancing and wearing of cloth face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.

“For more than three months, the National Park Service has not permitted events on the National Mall. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, large First Amendment activities and demonstrations are occurring with increasing frequency and size,” said Jeff Reinbold, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks. “By resuming the issuing of permits for events, we are better able to provide for the health and safety of participants and ensure all groups have the opportunity to assemble and be heard.”

The National Mall and Memorial Parks Division of Permits Management manages more than 4,000 permitted activities each year. Permit applications are accepted in person or by mail Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Additional information, including permit applications and contact information, is available online at go.nps.gov/MallPermits.

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