A federal judge on Saturday ordered Washington’s East Potomac Park to stay open, blocking the Trump administration from closing the riverside park one day before a planned 15-month shutdown.
US District Judge Ana Reyes issued the temporary order in a 30-page decision. She found the administration’s stated reasons for the closure were “pretextual” and said the government likely violated at least two federal laws. The order runs through November 28.
President Donald Trump announced last month that the park and its golf course would close on November 15 so the site could be rebuilt as a championship-level course. He said the overhaul would take about 15 months and could bring events such as the US Open and the Ryder Cup to the site.
The lawsuit came from the DC Preservation League and two local golfers, who argued the plan would change the character of the public course and make it unaffordable. Reyes wrote that closing the park would “irreparably harm” the plaintiffs. She also noted that the government does not have to keep running golf operations while the case continues.
Trump said the administration will appeal immediately. A Justice Department spokesperson said the ruling does not stop planning for the redevelopment.
The park, near the Jefferson Memorial, holds three golf courses totaling 36 holes, a miniature golf course, and a paved loop used by cyclists and runners. The administration’s plan would turn it into a single 18-hole championship course.
Source: Reuters
