From up on high, the Ellipse may look like a majestic circular patch of grass from where tourists and residents alike can marvel at the White House. From on the ground, though, its a barren stretch of land, uneven in many locations and free of grass in others. Thankfully, NBC 4 is reporting that the Ellipse will soon undergo a four-month-long restoration, the first since 1940. Grass, benches, sidewalks, a lights are set to be replaced.

It’s about time. We often play ultimate frisbee on the Ellipse, and the state of the grass leaves something to be desired. Beyond that, the ground is uneven throughout, leaving many an ankle twisted and many a knee sore. We’d hope that the restoration would rid the Ellipse of those hated softball players (how many times can they wail a passing pedestrian or car with a fly-ball?), but that may be asking a little much.