Dupont Circle Park Closed for WorldPride Week

Dupont Circle Park in Washington, D.C., was closed for WorldPride week after the National Park Service, at the request of the U.S. Park Police, cited safety and vandalism concerns, including past damage to the historic fountain. The closure, lasting until 6 p.m. Sunday, followed an initial closure request by D.C. police in April that was later rescinded after community backlash. Capital Pride Alliance, which organizes WorldPride, criticized the decision and the lack of consultation with LGBTQ+ advocates, noting no official WorldPride events were planned for the park. Authorities argued that prior disorderly behavior warranted the closure and that less restrictive measures were insufficient to ensure safety while minimizing a heavy law enforcement presence. The move has sparked frustration among local residents and LGBTQ+ advocates, who view the park as a symbolic community space. City leaders encouraged the public to celebrate WorldPride at other venues across D.C.