GIVING BACK
A New Home
THE U . S . PARK POLICE MOUNTED UNIT WILL SOON HAVE MODERN STABLES ON THE NATIONAL MALL .
By ERIN ZILIS
24 I SALAMANDER 2023
If you ’ ve been to the National
Mall in Washington , D . C ., you ’ ve seen the officers and horses of the U . S . Park Police Horse Mounted Unit — one of the oldest and most beloved equestrian units in the U . S .— 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 Originally built as a temporary shelter , the facilities were outdated and inadequate for today ’ s needs .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
Salamander
Collection Founder and CEO Sheila
Johnson with Chief , the horse she donated to the unit , and U . S . Park Police