The National Park Service is spending millions to install new turf on the grassy panels of the National Mall, but this comes with a host of regulations about how the lawn can be used. These new rules are so restrictive that they are forcing large scale events to either make major changes or be forced to find a new home. The Solar Decathlon and the National Book Festival have already left, and after 47 years the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is now being asked to squeeze its tents onto the gravel walkways and streets, all to protect this new grass. The National Mall has always been used as a site for historic events of public benefit that showcase what we value most as a country. By signing this petition, you are asking Congress and the National Park Service to amend the National Mall Plan to make sure large scale public events of wide social benefit have a permanent home on the Mall.