Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says
A liner at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor, damaging a $16 million rehabilitation project, according to National Park Service official Frank Lands. The U.S. Park Police responded to the incident on June 9, marking the first time the administration provided specific details on how the site was damaged.
What damage occurred at the Reflecting Pool?
Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service, stated in a court document that a sharp knife or razor cut the caulk over the foam sealant. The police report also noted the destruction of delaminating surface material and about 70 fence post tops thrown into the water.
An Interior Department spokesperson initially described the June 9 incident as an “isolated incident.” The department later revised this stance after videos of people ripping at the coating began to circulate, calling it a “new trend” to damage the pool.
How do official reports contrast with administration claims?
President Donald Trump attributed peeling paint and a “350-foot gash” in the liner to “sick people” using box cutters, though he did not cite evidence for these claims. While Trump stated this week that six people were arrested, the Interior Department reported seven arrests, seven federal citations, and 18 police reports.
The Associated Press reviewed videos showing the pool was refilled between June 4 and June 9. This timeline suggests the cut reported on June 9 could have occurred before the basin was fully refilled. Pieces of the blue liner were observed peeling shortly after.
Why are the renovations facing federal investigation?
Congressional Democrats are seeking formal investigations into the $16 million project, citing the use of no-bid contracts. Atlantic Industrial Coatings received $14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the floor, while Green Water Solutions was awarded $1.7 million for a water-purification system.
Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon described the project as a “massive waste” of taxpayer dollars, noting the pool is currently “peeling and chock full of algae.” Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico joined other lawmakers in demanding an explanation for the failures.
What happens next for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool?
The National Park Service plans to drain the Reflecting Pool following Independence Day celebrations. This step is intended to allow crews to assess and repair the lining.
A federal judge may also be asked to block further renovations. The Cultural Landscape Foundation, which sued in May, urged the administration to engage with experts and the public rather than “rushing ahead with half-baked ideas.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the Reflecting Pool rehabilitation cost?
The project cost $16 million, with $14.7 million going to Atlantic Industrial Coatings and $1.7 million to Green Water Solutions.
What specific tools were allegedly used to damage the liner?
According to Frank Lands and President Trump, a sharp knife, razor, or box cutter was used to slice the lining.
What current issues are affecting the pool’s appearance?
The water has been plagued by an algae bloom, and pieces of the new blue coating have been peeling off the bottom.
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