WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Capital Planning Commission is asking the public to weigh in on a design competition to improve the look and visitor experience of President's Park South near the White House.

Beginning Tuesday, designs by five teams go on view at the White House Visitor Center and online. The goal is to beautify security components of the park.

President's Park is one of the most visited locations in the nation's capital. It includes the Ellipse and roadways that have been closed to traffic since Sept. 11.

Architectural firms from San Francisco, New York and Massachusetts have developed proposals for the park. The public can offer comments on the designs through June 27.

The design competition will help guide improvements planned by the National Park Service and Secret Service.

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