The National Park Service has a plan on the table that would bring the biggest changes to Glen Echo Park in 25 years. And they want to hear from you before March 16.
The park's six pottery yurts, in place since 1972, would be demolished along with the kiln yard and the restroom near the Carousel. In their place: new climate-controlled buildings, ADA-accessible pathways, a second pedestrian bridge over Minnehaha Creek, stormwater upgrades, and dedicated space for the park's Civil Rights history, including the 1960 protests that helped desegregate the amusement park.
The yurts were never meant to be permanent. Only one has running water. None have climate control. Pottery classes consistently fill with waitlists, and supporters say a purpose-built facility would expand capacity.
But 118 public comments given last winter split nearly down the middle. Critics say the yurts are part of what makes Glen Echo feel like Glen Echo. The pottery community itself is divided. And dancers who use the Spanish Ballroom worry that park upgrades could push out the social dances that have defined the space for decades.
None of the park's "contributing historic" structures would be touched.
The comment period closes March 16, 2026.
