Charitable Organization Challenges Government's Decision to Refurbish Landmark Reflecting Pool
A charitable organization is taking legal action against the government, the National Park Service, and the Secretary of the Interior over their decision to renovate the famous Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and give it a blue hue.
The lawsuit, which was submitted to the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, was initiated by an educational and advocacy organization. The group is requesting a federal judge to stop the project, claiming that the administration failed to get the project federally reviewed, as required by the National Historic Preservation Act.
Unveiling of the Project Plans
The announcement of the renovation plans was made last month, with the pool to be painted in a shade of "American flag blue". The project was expected to take about a week, costing around $2 million, and was aimed to be completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. The president later posted a simulated image of himself and several officials from his administration, along with an unknown woman, lounging in the water with the Washington National Monument in the background. (Swimming in the reflecting pool, however, is against federal law).
Reasons Behind the Project
In a video message, the president referred to the pool as "filthy dirty" and claimed it had leakage issues. He expressed his intention to get in touch with three companies he had previously worked with, who specialize in swimming pools, to get a competitive price for the project.
Contract Awarded and Project Cost
The contract for the pool's renovation was given to a company that specializes in industrial coatings, in a $6.9 million deal without a bidding process. This company has never held any federal contracts before. The company confirmed their involvement in the project, but directed all other queries to the Department of the Interior.
It was suggested that the final cost of the project could reach up to $13 million. The Department of the Interior neither confirmed nor denied this, but mentioned that the contract price was reflective of the effort required to speed up the project—more staff, more materials, more equipment and longer working hours.
Department of Interior's Statement
The Department of Interior issued a statement explaining that the National Park Service had chosen the best company to quickly repair the iconic Reflecting Pool ahead of the 250th anniversary celebrations. They believed that the choice of the shade "American Flag Blue" would enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. They would also be investing in a cutting-edge filtration system and would now have a dedicated team who would maintain the grounds' from wildlife. The Department expressed pride in the work being carried out by the Park Service to ensure this magical spot can be enjoyed for not only the 250th anniversary, but for many future generations.
Critics' Perspective
Critics of the project, including the group that filed the lawsuit, are not thrilled with the idea, particularly the color choice. They believe that the Reflecting Pool should be seen as part of the larger ensemble of landscaped designs that make up the National Mall. They argue that the original design intent was to create a reflective surface that doesn't draw attention away from the solemn and revered visual and spatial connection between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. They believe a blue basin is more suited to a resort or theme park.
The National Park Service regularly cleans the pool, removing algae, goose droppings and other debris. The last significant renovation of the Reflecting Pool took place during the previous administration and reportedly cost $34 million.
The individual who founded the group that filed the lawsuit previously worked for 15 years as the coordinator of the Historic Landscape Initiative for the National Park Service.
A charitable organization is taking legal action against the government, the National Park Service, and the Secretary of the Interior over their decision to renovate the famous Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and give it a blue hue.
The lawsuit, which was submitted to the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, was initiated by an educational and advocacy organization. The group is requesting a federal judge to stop the project, claiming that the administration failed to get the project federally reviewed, as required by the National Historic Preservation Act.
Unveiling of the Project Plans
The announcement of the renovation plans was made last month, with the pool to be painted in a shade of "American flag blue". The project was expected to take about a week, costing around $2 million, and was aimed to be completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. The president later posted a simulated image of himself and several officials from his administration, along with an unknown woman, lounging in the water with the Washington National Monument in the background. (Swimming in the reflecting pool, however, is against federal law).
Reasons Behind the Project
In a video message, the president referred to the pool as "filthy dirty" and claimed it had leakage issues. He expressed his intention to get in touch with three companies he had previously worked with, who specialize in swimming pools, to get a competitive price for the project.
Contract Awarded and Project Cost
The contract for the pool's renovation was given to a company that specializes in industrial coatings, in a $6.9 million deal without a bidding process. This company has never held any federal contracts before. The company confirmed their involvement in the project, but directed all other queries to the Department of the Interior.
It was suggested that the final cost of the project could reach up to $13 million. The Department of the Interior neither confirmed nor denied this, but mentioned that the contract price was reflective of the effort required to speed up the project—more staff, more materials, more equipment and longer working hours.
Department of Interior's Statement
The Department of Interior issued a statement explaining that the National Park Service had chosen the best company to quickly repair the iconic Reflecting Pool ahead of the 250th anniversary celebrations. They believed that the choice of the shade "American Flag Blue" would enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. They would also be investing in a cutting-edge filtration system and would now have a dedicated team who would maintain the grounds' from wildlife. The Department expressed pride in the work being carried out by the Park Service to ensure this magical spot can be enjoyed for not only the 250th anniversary, but for many future generations.
Critics' Perspective
Critics of the project, including the group that filed the lawsuit, are not thrilled with the idea, particularly the color choice. They believe that the Reflecting Pool should be seen as part of the larger ensemble of landscaped designs that make up the National Mall. They argue that the original design intent was to create a reflective surface that doesn't draw attention away from the solemn and revered visual and spatial connection between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. They believe a blue basin is more suited to a resort or theme park.
The National Park Service regularly cleans the pool, removing algae, goose droppings and other debris. The last significant renovation of the Reflecting Pool took place during the previous administration and reportedly cost $34 million.
The individual who founded the group that filed the lawsuit previously worked for 15 years as the coordinator of the Historic Landscape Initiative for the National Park Service.