safety
Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says
By Matthew Daly, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 25, 2026
· 6 min read
A liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project, a top official at the National Park Service says.The U.S. Park Police responded June 9 to ...
Key takeaway Park Police responded June 9 to a complaint by the park service, said Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, including a cut liner and destroyed surface material, raises questions about the security measures in place at national landmarks. While the incident occurred in Washington D.C., it has implications for similar sites in the San Antonio area, such as those in Alamo Heights . The fact that about 70 fence post tops were also thrown into the pool suggests a level of brazenness that could be concerning for local park administrators. As the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police investigate the incident, local authorities in Bexar County may want to review their own protocols for preventing and responding to vandalism at public spaces. The Reflecting Pool's issues, including an algae bloom and peeling paint, also highlight the challenges of maintaining large public facilities, a concern that is likely familiar to officials overseeing parks and recreation areas in Alamo Heights.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project, a top official at the National Park Service says.The U.S. Park Police responded June 9 to ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Daly, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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