But a lawsuit filed by an environmental group blocked the closure, with US District Judge Ana Reyes on Saturday granting a temporary restraining order that required the park remain open for now as the lawsuit works its way through the courts.
“The Government proposes to close a historic park, daily enjoyed by Washingtonians of all stripes, indefinitely,” Reyes wrote in the 30-page ruling. “This closure would irreparably harm Plaintiffs, who use the Park regularly for recreational activities.”
She had previously ruled against the early demolition work conducted for the project, including the cutting down of more than 500 trees along the course.
The golf course is one of several projects launched by Trump in a bid to put his personal stamp on the US capital, such as the White House ballroom and a massive triumphal arch, despite fierce local opposition and multiple legal challenges.
