The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., part of the National Mall, is a 2,000-foot-long rectangular basin designed to mirror the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Built in the 1920s, it represents a tradition of landscaping that imposes geometric order on natural landscapes. However, the pool has faced recurring issues, including leaks, cracks, and algae growth, requiring multiple renovations.
In 2012, a $34 million renovation replaced the original concrete with a new liner and filtration system. Despite this, the pool has continued to experience problems, such as water discoloration and structural settling. These challenges highlight the ongoing struggle between human attempts to control nature and natural processes like erosion and biological growth.
According to the National Park Service, the pool's maintenance is complicated by its age and exposure to weather. While it remains a popular tourist attraction, its history shows that even carefully designed landscapes can be vulnerable to natural forces. The pool's saga is a reminder that nature often resists human efforts to impose order.
