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National Mall and Memorial Parks

OIG: National Park Service Didn't Exploit Trump Inauguration Crowd Size

National Park Service personnel did not exploit the size of the crowd at President Donald Trump's inauguration, nor did agency staff discuss with the media a call from the president to acting Park Service Director Mike Reynolds that day, an Interior Department investigation has concluded.

The National Mall: Contents Under Pressure

Over the past decade, the once-gleaming white marble dome of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial has taken on a decidedly undignified appearance. Creeping over the dome’s surface (as well as the monument’s signature columns and Greek-revival pediment) is a black substance known as biofilm, giving a grimy look to this monument to the third president.

Essential Park Guide, Summer 2017: Join The Park Side

Let's face it: at National Parks Traveler, we're excited about summer in the National Park System. This summer will be particularly memorable for folks who are able to visit a park on August 21, when a total solar eclipse will darken a swath of the country, from John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon, through Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, and eastward into Congaree National Park in South Carolina.

Parking Meters Coming To Make Your Visit To The National Mall A Bit More Expensive

The National Park Service has awarded a contract to Parkeon, USA, to install parking meters on streets and parking areas on the National Mall. Installation of the 90 multi-space pay stations will begin on or about May 1, with operation and enforcement of the meters scheduled for June 12. The new metered parking is intended to create more frequent turnover of limited parking spaces; encourage the use of public transit; and provide revenue to create and improve affordable visitor transportation.

Cold Snap Impacts About Half Of National Mall's Dazzling Cherry Trees

The National Park Service estimates that approximately half of the cherry blossoms on the Yoshino variety of trees have survived the recent cold snap, and will be emerging over the next week or so around the Tidal Basin, in East Potomac Park and on the grounds of the Washington Monument. The Yoshinos are the most abundant variety of cherry trees maintained by the National Park Service, making up approximately 70 percent of the total inventory.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Will Be Earlier Than Usual This Year

The National Park Service will offer a number of special programs and services during the 2017 National Cherry Blossom Festival, including festival-related lantern walks, ranger talks, and tours around the Tidal Basin and National Mall. Park Service events, which are free, will be held from March 15 through April 2. Peak bloom of the cherry trees is expected to occur between March 14-17.

National Park Service Completes Planning For Rehabbing Arlington Memorial Bridge, Needs $100 Million+ To Do The Work

Planning for rehabilitation of the crumbling Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., has been completed by the National Park Service, though the agency is far short of the $250 million estimated to pay for the work.

Road Closures, Logistics Announced For Inauguration Welcome Celebrations At Lincoln Memorial

The National Park Service and the United States Park Police, in cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement, public safety and transportation agencies, announce security, logistics and access plans for the Voices of the People and Make America Great Again! inaugural welcome celebrations. The events will take place on Thursday, January 19 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial.

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