The Trust for the National Mall "Tops Off" Roof Construction of the New Horse Stables and Education Center on the National Mall

Trust for the National Mall marks project milestone with a TOPPING OFF AND tour of the HORSE stables on the National Mall

On Friday, August 26, 2022, the Trust for the National Mall hosted a hard-hat tour of the new U.S. Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center on the National Mall for project supporters to celebrate the completion of the roof and substantial progress on the new state-of-the-art and sustainable facility for the horses and officers of the Mounted Unit on the National Mall.

The Trust is leading a transformational project to create a modern, environmentally sustainable facility to replace the original stables that were built as a temporary shelter in bicentennial celebration in 1976. The new stables, set to open in 2023, will provide a new home for the horses and officers and will welcome the public at a new Education Center to meet the horses and learn about the history of the Mounted Unit on the National Mall. Importantly, this project will also create new direct pathway to connect the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to the National Mall.

At the ceremonial “topping off” event, guests were treated to a special, up-close appearance from the Park Police horses and officers, who stood at attention while project leads celebrated and launched the stables into its final stages of completion. Sheila Johnson, Trust for the National Mall Board Vice-Chair and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, kicked off the event by applauding the stables as a proper home where the horses can be cared for, maintained and exercised. First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin, a lead funder of the new stables, was on site to express her support for the horses of the Mounted Unit. Georgette “Gigi” Dixon, Trust for the National Mall Board Member and Head of External Engagement at Wells Fargo, spoke about the “Path of Hope” that will eventually connect the stables to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, creating a much-needed, accessible walkway between the National Mall and Tidal Basin. Trust CEO Catherine Townsend, NPS National Mall & Memorial Parks Superintendent Jeffrey Reinbold, and Acting Chief of the U.S.P.P. Christopher Stock shared in the excitement and enthusiasm for the project’s forthcoming completion and unveiling and gratitude for the project supporters.

The group of attendees took a hard hat tour of the interior of the stables construction site — getting an exclusive first look at new spaces and features that improve upon the former facility’s amenities, including proper stalls, wash and tack rooms, an office for the Park Police officers, and an Education Center that will invite the public to engage with the history of the Mounted Unit. Project leads commemorated this special day by signing messages of goodwill on a commemorative piece that will be displayed in the stables upon completion. The Trust would like to express its gratitude to its supporters and donors who have made this incredible and exciting new feature of the National Mall a reality. Stay tuned for the stables’ completion in late 2022, and grand opening of the Horse Stables and Education Center in Spring of 2023. Follow the construction progress on our LIVE CAM: #StablesCam!

The Trust is continuing to raise funds to support the Education Center exhibits and to support the long term care and maintenance of the facility. You can support the project here: You can support the project here.

Learn more about the horse stables and education center