Protecting a National Treasure

Release Date: Wednesday, February 16th 2011

The National Park Service (NPS) wants to hear from you as it seeks public input on plans to beef up security for the National Mall’s most visible and important memorial, the Washington Monument. You have until Monday, February 28, to share your thoughts about proposals to replace and improve the existing visitor screening facility at the base of the Monument. 

The visitor screening facility was put in place as a temporary structure to increase security after 9/11. In 2006, NPS completed permanent security enhancements that included new pedestrian circulation and a vehicular barrier system. But a proposed screening facility and underground connection to the Monument were never implemented. That’s about to change. 

NPS has explored several new design alternatives for the new security checkpoint to improve security at the Monument in a manner that maintains and preserves the visitor experience and cultural landscape of the Monument grounds. All that’s needed now is your two cents. 

Illustrated boards depicting a wide range of options are on display temporarily outside the Washington Monument, off 15th Street between Madison and Jefferson Drives. The wayside signs can be viewed through February 28, and visitors can submit comment forms inside the Monument Lodge or Survey Lodge. Better yet, for more information and to submit comments online, visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov/wamo, or email comments to joni_gallegos@nps.gov.