With the backhoe reaching the back row, the 18-month renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has to be turning a corner.
Thank goodness. Tourists ask me about it every single time we’re at the Lincoln Memorial. They’re disappointed the classic view is ruined. I counter they’re seeing a once-in-a-lifetime view. (The National Parks people should hire me for PR over that response.)
The $31 million renovation is completely rebuilding the 1922 pool that is nearly one-third mile long and 167 feet wide. Corman Construction of Annapolis has completely gutted the pool, finished 2,113 pylons and now filling dirt between concrete sections about three feet apart. Hence the photos shown from Nov. 12, two days after the first anniversary of the work’s start. The pool’s supposed to be done by spring, though that’s a moving target dependent on winter weather.
Eventually, a new circulation system will make the 18 to 30-inch deep pool containing 6.75 million gallons look crystal clear versus the old stagnant mess. Water will come from the nearby Tidal Basin.
It won’t be long before Jenny and Forrest meet once more in the pool should Hollywood ever remake Forrest Gump.
