profile
A New Home
By ERIN ZILIS
The u.s. park police mounted unit will soon have modern stables on the national mall.
"This project replaces an outdated facility with a state of the art space, where the horses can be properly housed, cared for and exercised"
-Sheila Johnson, Founder and CED of Salamander Collection
If you've been to the National
Mall in Washington, D.C., you've seen the officers and horses of the US. Park Police Horse Mounted Unit-one of the oldest and most beloved equestrian units in the US-who provide a friendly guiding equine presence. The horses most recently resided in simple wooden stalls that were erected to celebrate America's bicentennial Independence Day celebration in 1976.
Originally built as a temporary shelter, the facilities were outdated and inadequate for today's needs. But thanks to the efforts of the Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service, the horses will soon have new stables and an education center to welcome the public, designed by architect Tasos Kokoris.
Salamander Collection Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson, who is the Trust for the National Mall Board of Directors Vice Chair, served as Campaign Chair for the project, one which is close to her heart. The horses that are part of the unit are donated by private citizens to serve, with the promise those owners will take care of the horses when it's time for them to retire. Johnson donated her horse, Chief, to serve in the unit in 2019. "Sheila Johnson has provided incredible vision and leadership in the campaign to build a new home for the horses on the National Mall," says Catherine Townsend, President and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall.
"The new Horse Stables and Education Center is funded entirely by private philanthropy, and simply would not be possible without her leadership."
A NEW HOME
The new facility was built at the location of the recently demolished stables, between the Korean War Memorial and the D.C. War Memorial on the south side of the Mall. The modern, environmentally sustainable building contains horse stables and a new visitor and education center that welcomes the public to engage with and learn about the horses and their history on the National Mall.
Additionally, the project creates a new pathway connecting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial directly to the National Mall. This "Path to Hope" allows for easier navigation and accessibility between the two areas.
"This project replaces an outdated facility with a state-of-the-art space, where the horses can be properly housed, cared for and exercised," says Johnson, "The education center will welcome visitors to learn about the history and importance of the Mounted Unit."
A total of 14 stalls, including a medical paddock, provides space for the horses housed onsite. Covered shelters and a heated wash and tack room complete the stables. The building includes a permanent office for the U.S. Park Police who are assigned there.
The education center includes information on the horses, a self-guided tour and a history of horse-mounted patrol operations on the Mall, along with two public viewing paddocks with double fencing for visitors to safely observe the horses.
The Trust for the National Mall, the Mall's nonprofit fundraising partner, raises funds from private citizens and corporate philanthropy to restore, preserve and enrich the National Mall. Principle support for this project, which includes the establishment of a long-term maintenance and programming fund, was provided by several generous donors, including Wells Fargo and Johnson.
The new building is slated to open in the Summer of 2023, well in advance of the nation's 250th anniversary of independence in 2026.
To learn more about this project go to nationalmall.org
INTRODUCING
SALAMANDER WASHINGTON DC
Launched in early September 2022, the elegant Salamander Washington DC is just minutes from the new stables and the exciting attractions and restaurants in the new District Wharf. Featuring a grand sense of arrival, the hotel's elegant and bustling lobby and lounge opens onto one of DC's most attractive and intimate outdoor spaces, replete with firepits and waterfront views. Many of the property's 373 beautifully designed rooms, spacious suites, also overlook the Potomac River and Tidal Basin, while the spa is widely considered the finest in the District. Under the Salamander brand, the hotel features elevated service levels, an inviting and warm atmosphere and is undergoing an exciting enhancement program in 2023. Improvements will include a renovation of the hotel's suites, the remodeling and reopening of the club lounge, re-concepting and redesign of its signature restaurant and grand lobby lounge, renovation of the spa and activation of the hotel's unique outdoor spaces. For reservations and more information, visit SalamanderDC.com.
Contact Us
For advertising inquiries, please contact [email protected]