News Release

National Park Service seeks public input on future improvements at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Date: May 13, 2021
Contact: Jan Lemons, 571-299-8422

VIENNA, Va. – The National Park Service (NPS) and our partner, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, want to hear from you as we plan for the future of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. To better meet the needs of current and future visitors, we’re proposing several changes to the park’s general management plan—the plan that guides park management decisions. You’re invited to learn more at a virtual public meeting on May 25 and to submit your feedback and ideas from May 25 through June 25, 2021. 

Since 1971, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has provided opportunities to experience live performances, learn about music and theater, and explore nature. We’re proposing several updates to the general management plan to improve the visitor experience, while continuing to preserve the history, landscape and resources of the only national park established as a performing arts venue. 

The proposed amendment to the general management plan would allow the park to: 

• Update Filene Center amenities to meet current industry standards. 
• Improve traffic flow, add new parking and build a new pedestrian tunnel. 
• Improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities throughout the park.  
• Improve security.  
• Build, update or replace facilities including concession stands and restrooms.  
• Build a new structure to serve visitors. 
• Add directional and wayfinding signs. 
• Expand opportunities for year-round park use.  

The NPS is preparing an Environmental Assessment for this proposed amendment. We’ll consider public comments as we develop and finalize the amendment, and then will implement park improvements as funding becomes available.  

Attend the public meeting: A live, virtual public scoping meeting will be held on May 25, 2021 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Join the meeting by clicking here. To connect to audio, use the meeting website link or dial, 877-286-5733 and enter conference ID 161885943#. A recording of the meeting will also be available for viewing at the NPS Park Planning website https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WolfTrapPlan after May 26, 2021. The meeting presentation materials will be available for review at the same website listed above starting May 25, 2021. 

How to comment: Public participation is vital to the planning process. You are invited to review the proposal and provide comments and ideas from May 25 through June 25. To provide comments online or get additional information on the project, visit the NPS planning website at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WolfTrapPlan.  

If you prefer to mail your comments, make sure they are postmarked by June 25, 2021 to receive consideration. Mail comments to the following address: 

Ken Bigley, Acting Superintendent 

Attn: Master Plan EA 

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts 

1551 Trap Road  

Vienna, VA 22182  

Please be aware that the entire comment submitted – including personal identifying information such as address, phone number and email address – may be made publicly available. Requests to withhold such personal identifying information from public release will be considered, but there is no guarantee the information will be withheld.  

The 30-day public comment period is the first step in the development of the Environmental Assessment (EA) the NPS is conducting in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), in accordance with Section 106. The comments gathered will inform the NPS’ development of an EA which will evaluate impacts to park resources, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. 

-NPS- 

About the National Park Service 

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is America’s only national park dedicated to presenting the performing arts. Whether you enjoy attending a performance at the Filene Center or Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, walking on the park's trails or participating in a guided program with a ranger, there are opportunities for everyone to enjoy Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.