Story perspectives

Trump’s $14 M Reflecting Pool Renovation Peels, Blooms Again

6/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Two weeks after reopening, the “American Flag Blue” coating began lifting from the Reflecting Pool floor, exposing sealant tears.
President Donald Trump’s $14 million renovation, awarded without competition to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, caused an algae bloom and peeling coating, prompting workers to apply hydrogen peroxide and a $1.7 million nanobubble ozone system.
Visitors, lawmakers and experts have expressed disappointment over the $14 million cost and warned the bloom may return without ongoing maintenance.

History

Historical Context

The Hamilton Fish Pool, one of 11 WPA pools opened June 24 1936 under Robert Moses, underwent a $14 million renovation finished June 1992 after a stalled 1987 $11.3 million effort championed by activist Sammy Fleischer. Renamed for Fleischer in 1993, most plaques were removed the next year by Parks commissioner Henry Stern, underscoring persistent funding and maintenance challenges.

1 of 2

Story summary

Two weeks after reopening, the “American Flag Blue” coating began lifting from the Reflecting Pool floor, exposing sealant tears.
President Donald Trump’s $14 million renovation, awarded without competition to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, caused an algae bloom and peeling coating, prompting workers to apply hydrogen peroxide and a $1.7 million nanobubble ozone system.
Visitors, lawmakers and experts have expressed disappointment over the $14 million cost and warned the bloom may return without ongoing maintenance.

1 / 2