t’s been about 40 years since the National Mall was last renovated, despite 25 million annual visitors. The massive use has taken its toll resulting in disrepair in walkways and lawns as well as other issues throughout the 700-acre national park, which together with other improvement projects will cost $700 million. The National Park Service has agreed to cover half the cost with the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall raising the rest. Washington’s philanthropic community is stepping up to the challenge. Carlyle Group Co-Founder and Managing Director David Rubenstein pitched in $7.5 million and the Akridge Family Foundation donated $1 million so far. “[The mall] has been a part of the living history of this community for 200 years and in the philanthropic community, and they are really giving back,” said Caroline Cunningham, president of the trust, noting that many of Washington’s philanthropic families grew up on America’s “front yard.” Cunningham added that it will take about five to seven years to raise the money to complete all the projects they want, though some restoration projects have already been completed. But there’s much more to be done. Here, a breakdown of some of the bigger projects underway or yet to be completed.Visit the Trust for the National Mall, www.nationalmall.org for more details. 1. Washington Monument $15 million to repair earthquake damage.The federal government allotted $7.5 million with Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein matching the amount. Contract to be awarded by August 2012 with work taking 10 to 12 months 2. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and Grounds $30.7 million to repair the Reflecting Pool structure, install a recirculating water system, add