parks
Exclusive: Firm that worked on past Reflecting Pool renovation passed on Trump project after deeming it ‘unfeasible’
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 25, 2026
· 9 min read
By Abigail Roederhsheimer, Isabelle Khurshudyan, Sunlen Serfaty, CNN
(CNN) — Several months before blue strips started floating to the surface of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a company involved in its last renovation more than 15 years ago was approached with an opportunity to do this ...
Key takeaway ” Ultimately, Rhino Linings, which is most popular for its truck bed linings but also says on its website it can be used for water facilities, was chosen to provide materials for the latest Reflecting Pool renovation.
Why this matters in The El Paso
El Paso residents who take pride in their own city's public spaces may be watching the Reflecting Pool debacle with interest, given the significant investment in local parks and recreation areas. The fact that a company with prior experience working on the Reflecting Pool deemed the Trump administration's requirements "unfeasible" raises questions about the importance of careful planning and expertise in large-scale renovation projects. In El Paso, where community events and outdoor activities are a staple of city life, the Reflecting Pool's problems serve as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of rushing through a project without proper consideration for its long-term viability. As El Paso continues to develop and maintain its own public spaces, the city's officials and residents would do well to prioritize thoughtful planning and collaboration with experienced professionals to ensure that local projects are completed with quality and durability in mind.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 9 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Abigail Roederhsheimer, Isabelle Khurshudyan, Sunlen Serfaty, CNN
(CNN) — Several months before blue strips started floating to the surface of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a company involved in its last renovation more than 15 years ago was approached with an opportunity to do this ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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