PRESS AND MEDIA

The federal government shutdown is affecting the National Park Service’s ability to welcome visitors and maintain select facilities on the National Mall. As the nonprofit, nonpartisan partner of the National Park Service, the Trust for the National Mall will continue raising private funds to restore, preserve, and enrich the visitor experience—and to help ensure continuity for the National Mall as needed. 

Year Three of National Mall of Pickleball, presented by the Trust for the National Mall and Humana brought players and spectators to America’s Front Yard, bringing  "moves that serve" —in every sense of the word—serving up community, good health, connection and fun.

Catherine Townsend, President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall joined the Civics, Citizenship, and the Constitution Summit, co-hosted by More Perfect and iCivics at American University to announce the official launch of the National Mall Gateway.

The Inaugural Congressional Pickleball Match brought “The Hill” to the National Mall for an unforgettable evening of bipartisan sport, fun and charity on September 18, featuring America’s new favorite pastime on America’s Front Yard.

Thank you to all who joined the Trust for the National Mall, last week for a Monumental Conversation: On the Road to 250. As Governor Wes Moore, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the first ladies Dawn Moore and Suzanne S. Youngkin so eloquently shared, the National Mall takes on greater significance as a unifying symbol in our nation as we approach America’s 250th anniversary next year. 

In celebration of Constitution Day, the Trust for the National Mall is proud to announce the official launch of the National Mall Gateway.

This year’s theme, “Moves That Serve,” spotlights pickleball’s power to unite people on and off the court through a sport that’s inclusive, accessible and fun for all. This year’s event will be located at 12th Street SW, on the National Mall between Jefferson Drive and Madison Drive NW, just steps from the Smithsonian Metro Station.

The Trust for the National Mall will hold a Monumental Conversation event on September 18 featuring philanthropist David M. Rubenstein in conversation with the governors and first ladies of Maryland and Virginia. The program will feature a bipartisan conversation about the National Mall as a symbol of American history, freedom and independence as we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.  

Back by popular demand, the Trust for the National Mall and Humana are once again bringing America’s favorite sport—pickleball—to America's Front Yard. Join us September 19-21 at 12th St SW, right outside of the Smithsonian Metro Station, for three, free days of pickleball fun.

As fireworks light the skies this Independence Day, our sights are already set on a truly monumental moment – July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence. With just one year to go, the countdown is on. On that historic day, the National Mall will serve as the nation’s front yard and center stage for the Semiquincentennial.

The National Mall of Pickleball will celebrate America’s most accessible sport and the game that serves all in the heart of the National Mall this September.