Beautifully visible because of their horses, the U.S Park Police mounted units attract a fair amount of attention from 36 million annual visitors to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. People love the horses whose strong yet very quiet presence helps to safeguard the public, whether assigned to routine patrol or events such as marches, demonstrations, and concerts. Behind the scenes, however, it isn't so pretty. The stables, built in 1975 for temporary use during the Bicentennial, have remained in service to facilitate the vital role of the Park Police on and around the Mall. In 2010, at the completion of the comprehensive National Mall Plan study, the stables were recognized as a critical project. Moisture and associated rot, mildew, and poor ventilation are among the problems posing safety concerns for horses and officers.

The Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service, decided to build a brand new facility for the U.S. Park Police. One of the Trust's newer board members, Sheila Johnson, CEO and founder of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, is acting as project champion to raise the funds. An avid supporter of the arts and of horse sports and competitions, Johnson kick-started the fund-raising by pledging $1 million, initiating the design process for the new stables.

"This is one of the most important projects I've ever taken on," Johnson said. "It's really important that we re-build the stables – not only for the mounted police but also to provide a better, healthy environment for the well-being and welfare of the horses. This is a project that this area can 'own.' "

Drawings by architect Tasos Kokoris, who specializes in equestrian design, are an impressive blend of form and function, creating a physical layout ideal for urban horse-keeping. The facility will have 20 stalls, improved turnout, heated wash stall and tack room, and other vital amenities that include proper drainage, secure police staff offices, and an educational area for visitors.

The U.S. Park Police Horse Mounted Unit, established in 1934, is one of the oldest police equestrian units in the country. Over the years, it expanded to an operational strength in order to patrol and provide protection to the National Mall and nearby areas. Horse-mounted units continue to prove their important contribution to law enforcement. One special duty is the celebration of Independence Day with its grand finale of fireworks — great bangs and booms from brilliant pyrotechnical explosions that light up the night sky — all part of the day's work for horses and officers, both trained to cope with all kinds of emergencies.

"The Trust is involved in many exciting projects on the National Mall, but the US Park Police horse stables is one that has touched our hearts," said Teresa Durkin, Executive Vice-President of the Trust for the National Mall. "We are so grateful to Ms. Johnson for championing this important effort to rebuild the stables for the US Park Police and the amazing horses they work with every day. This project is also a rare and unique opportunity to educate visitors of all ages about the work and the rich history of the U.S. Park Police mounted unit on the National Mall."

Contributions to the building fund for the new Park Police Stables on the Mall are greatly appreciated and keep in mind that your donations to the Trust are tax-deductible. The plans include green building elements and environmentally-friendly materials, and the new facility will offer educational programs for all ages. Watch the Youtube.com video: "Help Rebuild the U.S. Park Police Stables on the National Mall."

For info, to discuss your interest or commit your pledge: Cheryl Bratz, Major Gift Officer, Trust for the National Mall: (202) 407-9420, www.nationalmall.org