WASHINGTON-- More than $500 million is needed to restore the National Mall, according to a group
that is launching a campaign to fix up "America's Front Yard."
Business and community leaders held a benefit luncheon on Thursday to launch the Trust for the
National Mall, a private-public campaign to raise $500 million for the Mall.
"This is the icon of freedom for our children, our grandchildren, for the entire world," said John
"Chip" Akridge, who founded the trust. "This is where democracy is showcased, and this is something
that all Americans are, or should be, proud of."
The trust plans to make repairs and build restrooms, food service facilities and other amenities
to improve the Mall experience.
"If this were Disney World, and they provided no parking, no food, no amenities, they would go out
of business," said Herb Miller of Western Development.
The benefit was held in a tent on the Mall and raised more than $600,000.
The trust is the only authorized funding partner of the National Park Service for the National Mall.
"Together, we are going to make many improvements," said Mary Bomar, director of the National Park
Service. "This really is America's front yard, and it should be in pristine condition."
The trust is being modeled after the conservancy group that rehabilitated New York City's Central Park.
