Along the banks of the Washington Channel in the nation’s capital sits the East Potomac Park, a popular green space offering 330 acres of open fields, picnic grounds, tennis courts, and lanes for running and cycling. At over 100 years old, the park is a celebrated “part of the culture in D.C.” But according to renovation plans obtained by the Washington Post, President Donald Trump wants to radically change the park, installing an “exclusive” golf course at the expense of public access.
“Based on the renderings being circulated to potential donors,” reports the Post, “the public golfing facility in the park that has long attracted hackers of all stripes because of its affordability and accessibility would be gone, as would a miniature golf course, the oldest continuously operating one in the country, which underwent a $1 million renovation in 2024. Hains Point, the tip of the peninsula popular with early-morning birdwatchers and weekend barbecuers, would be incorporated into the new course and seemingly inaccessible to anyone not playing golf.”
When asked about the changes, park regular DJ Rice was not happy, saying, “Everything can’t be exclusive. You have to leave something to the people.”
“To think this place would be changed to anything other than what it is is crazy,” said fellow D.C. resident Tai Smith. “It has been a part of the culture in D.C. for such a long time.”
While the renderings have yet to be approved, they suggest significant changes that will shape the park and largely alter its use. Stakeholders are quick to argue that the project is still in its early conceptual stages, but in a hearing on Monday, a federal judge suggested that the effort is more advanced than is being admitted, noting the ongoing fundraising efforts and existence of the renderings.
“Something is happening,” said U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes. “I don’t know what it is. When you have a pledge going out with pictures, asking people for money, we’re pretty far down the road, okay? So I think there’s been more happening.”
The plans and lack of clarity about the process have many in D.C. concerned about the president’s intentions.
“If we lose it, it will be a big ding to the quality of life for average Washingtonians,” said 70-year-old Mike Copperthite, who has spent 32 years riding with a group of 200 bicyclists who meet every weekday at noon to follow the loop through the park. “Everybody’s upset about it,” he said of Trump’s proposal. “But this guy doesn’t ask for permission. He just does it anyway.”
Hoping to put a stop to the changes, 26-year-old Alex Rosen launched SaveEastPo.com to help organize opposition.
“I was frustrated because I’m not a political person and I did not want to do this,” said Rosen. “But I love East Potomac and think it’s an amazing place as it is right now. So I thought I might as well try. Everyone I’ve talked to doesn’t understand why this is some sort of priority for the administration.”
“To do what [Trump] wants to do would completely destroy the park,” said 70-year-old Blayne Beeler, who comes to the park to fish. “This will no longer be for the people.”
