Justice Department Sets Date To Close D.C. Golf Course as Legal Battles Heat Up Over Access to Federally Owned Land

President Trump’s plan to transform a historic public golf course at Washington, D.C., into a championship level facility is moving forward even as a federal judge lambastes the administration’s actions and a lawsuit brought by community advocates attempts to prevent irreversible changes to recreational lands built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.In a court filing Wednesday night, the Justice Department indicated that East Potomac Park, including its golf course, is scheduled to close November 15. The announcement offers the latest timetable on a project that has caused nothing but controversy among golfers, preservationists, and public-access advocates.The National Park Service plans to submit to the National Capital Planning Commission on Friday a design for the extensive renovation by golf course architect Tom Fazio. The plans call for a championship-level course capable of hosting major tournaments. The commission is scheduled to review the plan on December 3.Under a revised lease agreement, National Links Trust, the nonprofit group currently operating East Potomac Golf Course, will cease operating the facility after November 15.Mr. Trump caught those opposed to the project off-guard when he announced on social media that the facility would close for approximately 15 months while renovations took place. The Trump administration’s plans to upgrade the course are on track despite a federal injunction.U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued an order on Tuesday that barred the government from removing or damaging additional trees at the course. Her order also requires the administration to provide 10 days written notice before undertaking any “irreparable modification” to features on the property while a lawsuit remains active.The lawsuit opposing the renovations was brought by the D.C. Preservation League and two golfers. The plaintiffs contend the project threatens irreversible damage to the historic landscape and could undermine the course’s role as an affordable recreational resource for the public.The dispute intensified after Mr. Trump announced the impending closure, prompting government officials to admit in testimony that they had no knowledge of the project’s updated plans.Earlier this week, Judge Reyes ordered Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. to appear for a status hearing to clarify whether a plan existed to close the course next month. The Justice Department filing on Wednesday confirmed the November 15 closure date.Mr. Trump has said the course needs renovating because it’s “highly dangerous, dilapidated, and absolutely disgusting.” He also said that Judge Reyes would be responsible if someone were injured or killed at the facility in its current state.“No one will be more thrilled by our plans to renovate the course and driving range than the local golfers who have played there for years,” Mr. Trump shared on social media.Critics argue improving the course should not come at the expense of its trees and historic character and affordable accessibility to amateur golfers.

Justice Department Sets Date To Close D.C. Golf Course as Legal Battles Heat Up Over Access to Federally Owned Land

Justice Department Sets Date To Close D.C. Golf Course as Legal Battles Heat Up Over Access to Federally Owned Land

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