National Park Foundation Helps Reopen National Christmas Tree Site at President’s Park

WASHINGTON — Thanks to the National Park Foundation’s support, the National Christmas Tree site at President’s Park in Washington, D.C., will reopen to the public at noon today.

“The National Park Foundation and hundreds of local philanthropic organizations and other park partners are always working to help ensure all people have access to our treasured national parks,” said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation. “The National Park Foundation’s support to President’s Park is one example of how private philanthropy can help support national parks when they need it most.”

The National Christmas Tree site was closed on December 21 due to damage to the tree and its lighting from an individual who climbed part of the tree that evening. Because of the lapse of appropriations on December 22, the National Park Service was unable to take the necessary steps to keep the park open. The National Park Foundation stepped in to provide the support needed to reopen, operate, and manage the National Christmas Tree site.

The National Christmas Tree site is open to the public from 10:00am – 10:00pm on Sunday – Thursday, and 10:00am-11:00pm on Friday and Saturday through January 1.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
Celebrating 50 years, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and ENGAGE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years.  Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.