National Mall and Memorial Parks

The National Park Service has awarded a contract to Parkeon, USA, to install parking meters on streets and parking areas on the National Mall. Installation of the 90 multi-space pay stations will begin on or about May 1, with operation and enforcement of the meters scheduled for June 12. The new metered parking is intended to create more frequent turnover of limited parking spaces; encourage the use of public transit; and provide revenue to create and improve affordable visitor transportation.

This week's winter storm might have severely damaged the flowering cherry trees around the Tidal Basin on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., putting this year's Cherry Blossom Festival at risk.

Planning for rehabilitation of the crumbling Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., has been completed by the National Park Service, though the agency is far short of the $250 million estimated to pay for the work.

One of the holiday season's most colorful displays involving national parks can be found in Washington, D.C., inside the U.S. Botanic Garden where 50 national parks and historic sites are featured amidst wreaths, garland, trees, and thousands of blooms from exotic orchids to a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties.