Reflecting Pool to Reopen After Extensive Renovation

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will show off its $34 million makeover this month when it is refilled for the first stime since undergoing reconstruction beginning in November 2010. It will take the National Park Service several days to fill the pool, which is scheduled to be reopened to the public at the end of August.

The changes impact both the sustainability and appearance of the historically-significant element on The National Mall. 

“With this renovation, we have given the Reflecting Pool a much-needed overhaul and brought its engineering into the 21st century. The design is accessible and sustainable, significantly reducing water usage, improving water quality, and welcoming visitors from around the world who come to see this iconic landmark," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in a press release.

According to a press release from the White House, the old design lost an estimated 500,000 gallons a week to leaks and evaporation, required about 30 million gallons of municipal water annually to maintain it and had to be emptied, cleaned and refilled twice a year.

“The extraordinary engineering of the new pool will enable the National Park Service to meet our long-term strategy for sustainable management of our parks,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.

The Washington Post has an excellent report on the engineering and design behind the new pool that will earn it the praise it has already received.