politics
Judge Allows Maintenance at East Potomac Golf Links, Requires Notice for Major Changes
A federal judge allowed the National Park Service to proceed with maintenance at a Washington, D.C., golf course but warned the Trump administration against starting major renovations without prior notice. The ruling came during a hearing prompted by a lawsuit from preservation groups concerned about potential closures. The course remained open following the decision.
AB
ABC NewsAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
A federal judge ruled on Monday that routine maintenance could continue at the East Potomac Golf Links, while ordering the Trump administration to notify the court before undertaking any significant renovations. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes denied a request for a temporary restraining order sought by plaintiffs, including the DC Preservation League and local golfers, who filed an emergency motion based on reports of potential closures and construction.
The decision permits activities such as removing dead trees and basic repairs, according to statements from government attorneys during the hearing. Judge Reyes stated that major work, including cutting more than 10 trees or bringing in large equipment, would require advance notice to avoid "serious consequences," as quoted in reports from The Independent and ABC News.
In court filings and during the hearing, administration lawyers emphasized that no final decisions had been made on any redesigns and that current efforts were limited to essential maintenance. Kevin Greiss, Superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks, told the court he was unaware of any closure orders and confirmed after checking with staff that the course remained open, according to coverage in the New York Post and The Washington Times.
Judge Reyes referenced her reluctance to oversee routine park operations, saying, "I don’t want to be the overseer of Parks and Rec. I’m no Amy Poehler," as reported by The Independent. The judge, appointed by former President Joe Biden, also noted that if unapproved major alterations occurred, the administration would need to provide immediate documentation, per details in ABC News and the New York Post.
The dispute arises from a February lawsuit by plaintiffs who argued that the National Park Service's termination of a 50-year lease with the National Links Trust in December could lead to unauthorized changes at the public golf course. Plaintiffs' attorney Will Bardwell stated in court that maintenance activities might precede broader construction, citing a NOTUS report about intended upgrades including landscaping and tree removal.
