The National Park Service announced on Friday that it has temporarily closed a park located in Washington’s historic LGBTQ district, moving ahead with plans thought to be scrapped just before the city’s annual Pride Weekend.
This closure of Dupont Circle Park was requested by the US Park Police, according to a record posted online on Friday, which details the installation of anti-scale fencing around the park until Sunday evening.
The Park Service stated, “Based on USPP’s assessment regarding security, keeping this area clear is essential; less restrictive measures won’t suffice.”
In a letter dated June 4, Major Frank Hilser informed Kevin Griess, the director of National Mall and Memorial Parks, that the closure request stemmed from instances of assault and disorderly conduct observed at Dupont Circle during previous Pride weekends.
Hilser indicated that the USPP believes that physical barriers are necessary for the complete closure of Dupont Circle.
A previous letter sent to the USPP Chief in April had recommended the temporary placement of tall, hairless fencing around the park, based on recommendations by Washington State Police Chief Pamela A. Smith.
Smith noted that for many years, Dupont Circle Park has been a gathering place for Pride participants, despite not being an officially sanctioned event. However, she also highlighted challenges such as large gatherings with sound equipment, illegal vending, alcohol use, physical altercations, and damage to historical features in the park.
After consulting community leaders and residents, Smith later withdrew her request for the park’s temporary closure, citing confusion about prior incidents that had impacted her initial demands.
The park’s closure poses another challenge for those organizing WorldPride, an international LGBTQ pride celebration taking place in Washington this year. The Capital Pride Alliance, which is coordinating WorldPride DC, has faced numerous difficulties related to policies from the previous administration that disproportionately affect LGBTQ individuals.
In April, the organization issued travel advisories regarding Trump’s executive order limiting sex designations, which prohibits transgender, non-binary, and intersex Americans from renewing their passport sex designations. During the same month, the Capital Pride Alliance announced a move of WorldPride events from the Kennedy Center to ensure inclusivity for the entire LGBTQ+ community.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized certain performances at the Kennedy Center, labeling them as “drug-related” and rooted in “anti-American propaganda” connected to LGBTQ culture. The White House has since refrained from issuing a Pride Month Declaration.
In a statement, the Capital Pride Alliance expressed disappointment regarding the National Park Service’s decision to close DuPont Circle during WorldPride weekend.
They emphasized that this cherished landmark is central to the community’s celebration and serves as a gathering place for the LGBTQ+ population in D.C., expressing frustration over the lack of consultation regarding the sudden closure.
No official Pride events are scheduled to take place at Dupont Circle Park.
DC Councillor Brook Pinto voiced her disappointment and frustration regarding the closure on behalf of the Dupont Circle community. She expressed her desire to celebrate this significant symbol of the historic LGBTQ+ community in the city, adding, “I wish there was better news to share.”
However, she also reassured that WorldPride will continue, marking a time to celebrate and uplift their LGBTQ+ neighbors.
