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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 .”
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
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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“ This project replaces an outdated facility with a state-of-the-art space , where the horses can be properly housed , cared for and exercised ,” says Johnson , “ The education center will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
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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
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