Glen Echo Management Plan Amendment Environmental Assessment

The National Park Service seeks public input on a management plan amendment for Glen Echo Park. The comment period will be open through March 16, 2026.

Glen Echo Park offers year-round arts and cultural programming and special events within the unique historic setting of the former Glen Echo Amusement Park. This Plan/EA will serve as an amendment to the 2001 Management plan/Environmental Impact Statement for Glen Echo Park. The goals of the plan are to increase capacity for arts and cultural programming, special events, and future programming related to the history and environment while committing to protect Glen Echo Park's historic character, natural environment and improving the overall visitor experience.

The proposed action includes:
-Identification of areas where future development could go. The plan designates several 'buildable zones' where new facilities may be developed in the future to support expanded programs and visitor services. These zones do not represent final building designs or footprints. Future projects would decide the exact size, location, and appearance of any new buildings and would go through additional public review and environmental and historic compliance.

-Removal of existing structures. Six yurts, the pottery kiln and shed, and the restroom near the Carousel would be removed. This would open up central park space and create flexibility for future arts, cultural, educational, and community events, while improving the overall layout and visitor experience.

-Protection of natural and cultural resources. Some buildable zones are near or partially within wooded natural zones. In these areas, development would be kept to a minimum and carefully designed to protect trees, wildlife, and the parks historic landscape. Future projects would also highlight Glen Echo Parks history through new interpretive features.

-Accessibility improvements. Walkways, entrances, parking areas, and drop-off zones would be improved or added so that people of all abilities can move through and enjoy the park. This includes regrading paths where possible, adding ramps where needed, and creating accessible routes from parking areas and key entrances.

-Stormwater management improvements. New and improved stormwater systems, such as rain gardens, underground storage, green roofs, and vegetated swales, would reduce flooding, manage runoff, and improve water quality across the park.

Comments must be submitted in writing, preferably via an online form on the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website. From the project website, navigate to the 'Open for Comment' menu on the left-hand side and open the 'Glen Echo Park Management Plan Amendment Environmental Assessment folder. Click the green 'Comment Now' button to access the online form.

Alternatively, comments may be submitted via U.S. mail to:

Glen Echo Park MP/EA, Attn: Superintendent
George Washington Memorial Parkway
c/o Turkey Run Park
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean, Virginia 22101

Comments must be submitted online or postmarked by March 16 to be considered.

Please be aware that all comments - including personally identifiable information (PII) such as your address, phone number, and email address - may be made publicly available. Requests to withhold such PII will be considered but cannot be guaranteed.

Document Content:

Glen Echo Park Mgmt Plan Amendment EA_February 2026_508.pdf   (3.0 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.