Dupont Circle fencing coming down hours ahead of WorldPride Parade
WASHINGTON () — After a week of back-and-forth, the fencing around Dupont Circle was officially being taken down on Saturday morning, just hours ahead of the WorldPride Parade kicking off.
A shortly before 10:30 a.m. on social media shows crews beginning to dismantle the fencing. Officials confirmed with DC News Now that the fences would officially be coming down.
This comes after Mayor Muriel Bowser told reporters on Friday that she would 'continue to push for a change in decision.'
In a joint statement released Saturday, Bowser said:
'We are pleased that the Mayor's office and the National Park Service could work together overnight on a solution that protects the historic features of this park while also ensuring the safety of all who enjoy it. We want this weekend to be a safe and fun celebration in our nation's capital – and one that includes one of the best parks and community spaces in our city, Dupont Circle. We look forward to working together on future initiatives that keep DC safe and beautiful.'
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dupont Circle park to be closed this weekend during WorldPride
The National Park Service's (NPS) initial decision to close Dupont Circle Park came at the request of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Park Police (USPP), which cited safety concerns.
The decision — announced on June 2 — was immediately met with pushback from residents and community leaders, who emphasized Dupont Circle's historic significance in D.C. Pride celebration.
The public's reaction caused MPD to recind their request to close the park — but the formal decision depended on NPS and USPP.
After days of signals, . Fencing around the circle was put up on Friday morning, and was said to remain up through Sunday.
Just over 24 hours later, however, crews dismantled the fencing ahead of the WorldPride parade.
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