Community members are expressing outrage over the federal government’s closure of a popular Pride gathering place.
The National Park Service (NPS) fenced off the park at Dupont Circle Friday. The agency blamed violence and vandalism in past years for the closure, but the park has been likened to the beating heart of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community.
A similar closure last year was reversed after fierce pushback.
U.S. Park Police vehicles and the National Guard were visible at Dupont Circle Saturday.
“This is really sad,” said Chi Bundo Egwuatu, a dog walker. “I’ve never seen Dupont so quiet.”
The circle is closed all weekend long, much to the dismay of those celebrating Pride.
“It’s usually a big gathering place,” said Tommy Shrader, who was attending Pride. “I know in years past, we used to gather there, and it was really neat to gather there.”
Neighbors News4 talked to are really upset about this closure. Someone placed a sign there asking people to contact the city about it.
“I really think it’s really bad,” said Bernard Watkins, who was attending Pride. “It’s a really historical spot especially for gay people.”
The National Park Service closed the park Friday at the request of Park Police. A statement on the NPS website says they did this to “provide for public health and safety and protect natural and cultural resources in Dupont Circle Park.”
Last year, NPS tried to close Dupont circle during WorldPride, citing safety concerns in previous years, including violence, arrests and vandalism to the park’s fountain that cost about $175,000.
Fencing went up last year too, but after pressure from the public, it came down. During the Pride festivities that year, there was a shooting and double stabbing, but those who gather there regularly still feel there is no reason to close the park.
“Okay there’s a party, sometimes things get rowdy. It’s Pride,” Egwuatu said. “That’s also true for any sports game. They don’t shut down the parks around the sports arenas whenever there’s a game.”
“They shut it down here, it’s just going to come up somewhere else and that’s what it’s all about,” said Rose Quail, a Salisbury, Maryland resident. “They can put up barricades but they can’t stop us.”
NPS said Dupont Circle will reopen at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Last year, Dupont Circle was closed at the request of D.C. police in addition to U.S. Park Police. News4 reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department and the Mayor’s office about this year’s closure. Both referred us to NPS.
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/F3tQnIT
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