Dupont Circle Park will officially close for DC's WorldPride weekend
WASHINGTON () — After days of uncertainty and unanswered questions, the National Park Service has officially announced that Dupont Circle Park will close for WorldPride weekend.
This announcement came after the United States Park Police (USPP) requested the closure over safety concerns. Park police said closing the circle was necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety and protection of natural and cultural resources in the park.
Park police added the temporary closure throughout the weekend will 'secure the park, deter potential violence, reduce the risk of destructive acts and decrease the need for extensive law enforcement presences.'
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Uncertainty lingers over Dupont Circle's status ahead of WorldPride Parade
The decision stemmed from previous Pride weekends, when D.C. police said groups of people damaged property, looted and participated in underage drinking. The historic fountain at the center of the circle was reportedly damaged, and there were reports of gunfire.
Significant road closures for WorldPride Parade, Block Party
In a letter to park police on April 22, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith wrote, 'Every year, the situation has strained our personnel as the large crowds continued to linger around the park and spill into the nearby roadway causing further disturbances.'
Days later, D.C. police rescinded their request to install anti-scale fencing around the perimeter of Dupont Circle after pushback from the community.
However, the final decision was up to the United States Park Police.
Around 5 a.m. on Friday, officers surrounded Dupont Circle with police tape, and fencing began going up around the park.
USPP said the park will remain closed through Sunday, June 8, around 6 p.m.
Richard Lewis, who lived in the community for nearly two decades, said he is truly disappointed.
'Very disappointed in the agencies that were involved in this lack of decision making, the back and forth. The public outcry apparently doesn't seem to matter. There are ways of doing and protecting the property without closing it,' said Lewis.
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