National Mall partially closes for five-month turf repair

The National Park Service has announced the partial closure of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to facilitate repairs to turf damaged by recent large-scale events. The closure is expected to last approximately five months, with a projected reopening date of January 24, 2027.

The restricted areas are located on the grass sections between 3rd Street and 14th Street. To allow for recovery, fencing will be installed to prevent visitor access to the grass and to prohibit the hosting of large events in these specific zones. Officials noted that the damage was caused by high foot traffic, which led to soil compaction and significant wear.

While the grass areas are off-limits, paved pathways and other non-turf sections of the National Mall will remain open to pedestrians. The restoration process involves aerating and amending compacted soil to ensure new grass can establish strong roots. The agency stated that restrictions may be lifted earlier than scheduled if the turf stabilizes sooner than expected.