The DC Police Department tells Washingtonian it has “formally” rescinded a request that the National Park Service close Dupont Circle park this coming weekend. Chief Pamela Smith “has heard from community members and understands how significant Dupont Circle Park is to the Pride celebration,” a spokesperson tells us. You can read Smith’s letter below, which says that “H istorically, there have been significant challenges in Dupont Circle Park after formal Pride events have concluded” and cites incidents in 2019, 2023, and 2024 that Smith says caused damage to the park and its historic fountain.

The Park Service, accordingly, announced plans to close the park Monday evening. The Washington Post reported late Tuesday morning that the Park Service had canceled plans to close the park

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