Save the Smithsonian's Enid Haupt Garden!

So glad I found this petition to protest and hopefully stop the destruction of this beautiful place . The proposed modernization plan needs to be closely reviewed. Tax payers money should be wisely spent to enhance and improve the quality of the smithsonian museums and grounds not destroy what we already use.

I'm in favor of saving the gardens. Where do you think the nations' visitors go after seeing the museums? Many of them enjoy these gardens. I think they are one of the few "sacred" places in the city and one of its jewels.

Please preserve this important historic garden. It's a rarity in our country and its destruction is a sign of a very, very foolish era of mankind. Future generations will appreciate this garden much more than those who cannot see its worth now. Do not destroy historic gardens made by our nation's founders in urban locations or you create a barren, unnatural future setting all in the name of YOUR idea of progress. Our nation's historic gardens are not disposable. Do not destroy what belongs to our children. Thank you.

This is such a beautiful respite from the concrete and the crowded, worn out mall.

A very special place anytime of the year. A true national treasure.

I've spent many peaceful afternoons in this beautiful garden. The Mall needs more gardens, not fewer.

I protest the plan to demolish the Enid Haupt Garden.

This garden and so many other Smithsonian Gardens are treasures that allow both the local residents and tourists to step out of the bustle of a very busy and noisy DC into the lush greenery and flora of impeccable gardens. The garden design complements the surrounding architecture so well, it would be simply horrifying to see it removed. Please, please, reconsider this idea and leave these gardens in tact. Gardens can't be cultivated in a blink, they take time, dedication and years to mature. Removing these gardens would be a great disservice to the local community and the tourists who visit every day.

the welcoming nature of this place, its age, its amazing plants and trees, its scents cannot be modernised.

Please do not destroy this lovely place.

Please do not destroy the gorgeous garden. Our city is losing its gardens and [email protected] on the mall to monument after monument. One can no longer walk on the grass on the mall. The people are losing their mall and that is not what L'Enfant had in mind. This garden is where my daughter used to fantasize about the princess who lived in the tower, where she ran as a baby, where she learned to smell the flowers and touch them gently, but to not pick. Where the mirrors garden balls she believed were crystal balls to tell your future. This was her introduction into living the Smithdonian and I know so many other families and children feel the same. It would be a horror to lose such a beautiful place to enjoy.

This garden is an oasis on the treasured National Mall. It is an essential, peaceful place where visitors, workers, locals can savior natural beauty in our capitol city. Save it!

The Haupt Garden is one of my very favorite places on the Mall. It is a small but special treasure year round. Progress should not mean losing wonderful spots that allow visitors and locals to sit, relax and enjoy beautiful planned gardens.

Smithsonian think this plan over.

Please do not allow the destruction of this wonderful oasis in the midst of the city

Please do not destroy this absolute gem of a garden.

The thought that the Smithsonian, of all organizations, would destroy such a beautiful spot is heartbreaking.

Eliminating this marvelous garden is completely inconsistent with maintaining the historic character of the Smithsonian Institution

The Haupt Garden and the surrounding gates and pavilions are architecturally in keeping with the main Smithsonian buildings and with the mall. To destroy them for what is basically a skylight makes no sense. Build underground as needed but keep or restore the gardens.

This garden is an oasis. Please do not destroy this treasure.