A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order that blocks the Department of the Interior (DOI) from closing East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. The decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the DC Preservation League and others, who argue that the closure violates federal laws and is based on pretextual reasons. The court's ruling affects local residents and visitors who regularly use the park for recreational activities.

The case, known as DC Preservation League v. Department of Interior, was filed on November 14, 2026, under Civil Action No. 2026-0477. Judge Ana C. Reyes presided over the case and ruled that the government's justifications for the closure were not credible. This ruling is significant as it highlights the balance between government actions and public access to national parks.

Background

The plaintiffs in this case, the DC Preservation League and other local residents, filed the lawsuit against the DOI and the National Park Service (NPS) after President Trump directed the closure of East Potomac Park. The closure was set to begin on November 15, 2026, to allow for renovations to the East Potomac Golf Course, which the President described as part of a larger plan to develop a world championship public facility.

Concerns arose when the DOI announced that it would close the park, citing safety issues and the lack of an operator for the golf course. However, the plaintiffs contended that these reasons were merely a cover for the true intent of following the President's directive. The court had to consider whether the government's actions were lawful and justified under federal environmental laws.

The Ruling

The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, stating that the DOI's reasons for closing the park were likely pretextual and violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Judge Reyes noted, "The Government has not plausibly identified any harm it would suffer from a temporary restraining order that preserves the status quo pending further proceedings." This statement underscores the court's view that the government's actions were not adequately justified.

In granting the temporary restraining order, the court enjoined the government from closing East Potomac Park and the East Potomac Golf Course during the hours they were open as of November 14, 2026. The ruling allows the park to remain accessible to the public while the legal proceedings continue, emphasizing the importance of public access to national parkland.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for the future of East Potomac Park and similar national parks across the country. It reinforces the need for federal agencies to adhere to legal requirements when making decisions that impact public lands. The court's decision may set a precedent for how federal agencies handle closures and renovations, particularly when public safety and environmental laws are at stake.

Local residents and park users will benefit from the continued access to East Potomac Park, which is a popular recreational area. The ruling also highlights the importance of public involvement and transparency in government decision-making processes, particularly when it comes to changes in land use and park management.

What's Next

The government can appeal the court's decision, but it will need to provide substantial evidence to support its claims regarding the necessity of the park's closure. Meanwhile, the case will continue to unfold in court, with further proceedings expected to address the underlying issues related to the park's management and the proposed renovations.