UPDATE- SAN JUAN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE WILL BEGIN SOD REPLACEMENT ON GROUNDS OF CASTILLO SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO

Date:
September 19, 2025

San Juan, PR . - San Juan National Historic Site announces the commencement of the sod project first announced last November. The ground-penetrating survey assessment and archaeological study have been completed, and work is set to begin on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Visitors are reminded that the project will require the temporary closure of areas of Parcel A, located on the esplanade of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, to allow for essential grounds renovation. The project is part of the National Park Service's commitment to preserve the cultural landscape, enhance visitor enjoyment, and improve the long-term sustainability of park resources.The work will address several important goals:

• Enhancing site aesthetics and visitor enjoyment through the establishment of a uniform and well-maintained turf area.
• Realigning water drainage systems to better manage stormwater, reduce erosion, and protect the historic grounds.
• Replacing the existing mix of sod varieties with a single grass type, promoting consistent growth, healthier turf conditions, and improved erosion control.
• Reducing operational costs associated with grass cutting and clippings disposal, ensuring more efficient resource stewardship.

"These improvements are an important investment in both the preservation of El Morro's historic setting and in the visitor experience," said Park Superintendent Myrna Palfrey . "By enhancing drainage, improving turf health, and ensuring long-term maintenance sustainability, we are protecting this iconic landmark for generations to come.

"Areas of Parcel A will remain closed during the project. The project is anticipated to be completed by July 2026. All other areas of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and San Juan National Historic Site remain open to visitors.

As mentioned before this first stage of the project will cover approximately 6.87 acres out of the 11 acres of grass on parcel A at the esplanade at Castillo San Felipe del Morro. As part of these efforts, the park will continue to enforce restrictions on bicycle use on turf areas, allowing bicycles only on paved surfaces in accordance with the park's compendium and Puerto Rico Law 22. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

The San Juan National Historic Site is one of 433 parks in the National Park Service system, encompassing Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, extensive portions of the historic city walls, the San Juan Gate, and Fort San Juan de la Cruz, located across the bay entrance on Isla de Cabras. The park's mission is to protect, preserve, and interpret these invaluable natural, cultural, and historical resources for the benefit and inspiration of present and future generations.

For specific information about these events or other events please find us in our social media platforms Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SanJuanNPS and Instagram: sanjuannps. The park is open every day except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's. Hours of operation are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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