Out of an abundance of caution and while an investigation remains active, a section of Fort Totten Park remains closed after a National Park Service (NPS) employee found two WWI-era military munitions in mounds of soil on April 18. The NPS will install “No Trespassing” signs around the closed area today. Fencing and barriers will be installed around the area where the munitions were found until further testing can be completed. Unofficial trails through the woods are also closed off. 

The park is closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. A majority of Fort Totten Park is open for recreation, but visitors should stay on the Metropolitan Branch Trail and the grassy areas of the fort itself (near Fort Totten Dr. and Crittenden St. NE). 

The U.S. Army has conducted an assessment and determined the items were WWI-era military munitions that require further analysis prior to a final disposition recommendation.

Public safety is the NPS’s highest priority. The NPS is working with the U.S. Army to investigate the area and determine next steps. We will provide updates as more information is available.

Original source can be found here.