MontgomeryParks.org

Announcements

Montgomery Parks 2013 Memorial Day Weekend Operating Schedule

Montgomery Parks announces the season opening of the South Germantown Splash Playground and Miniature Golf Course on Saturday, May 26. Please find additional details on the holiday weekend operating schedule in our media center.

Public Meeting on Accessibility at Recreation and Parks Facilities

The public is encouraged to attend a June 12 public meeting from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. to provide input on a multi-year plan to improve accessibility in parks and recreational facilities. More details are available in the event calendar.

New Permit Office Fees Proposed

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks is proposing to increase or amend fees for many of its permitted park facilities. Click here for more information.

Park Improvements on Magruder Branch Trail

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks will begin renovation of Magruder Branch Trail in Damascus between Sweepstakes Road and Valley Park Road beginning on May 13. Renovations are expected to last through May 24 and will include the renovation of boardwalks and bridges. The trail will be closed from 7AM until 3PM during renovations; it will be open after 3PM and on the weekends. Visitors are urged to use caution near construction areas. For more information, visit www.ParkProjects.org or call 301-495-2595.

Park Improvements to Gude Garden in Brookside Gardens

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks will begin renovations of Gude Garden in Brookside Gardens towards the end of May. Renovations are expected to last through January and will include stabilizing banks, dredging ponds, and repairing dams to improve water quality. Turtles and fish living in the pond will temporarily be relocated to another pond.

CLOSED: During renovations, the Gude Garden lawn, Japanese Tea House, Reflection Terrace, Labyrinth, and lower service road (a section of the Heart Smart Trail) around the Garden will be closed.

OPEN: Pedestrian access to Wheaton Regional Park through the Pine Lake gate will remain open during the renovations. Thank you for your patience. Visitors are urged to use caution near construction areas. For more information, visit www.ParkProjects.org or call 301-495-2595.

Brookside Garden's Greenhouse Facility Plan

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks will present the Brookside Gardens Greenhouse Facility Plan to the Montgomery County Planning Board on June 13, 2013. Members of the public are welcome to testify at the hearing or submit comments about the proposed plan in advance.

The facility plan proposes to install a new greenhouse within the propagation and maintenance area at Brookside Gardens. Click here for additional information.

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks Begins Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park Renovation

Construction has begun to renovate the Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park in Silver Spring, with completion anticipated in the spring of 2014. For more information, please visit the Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park webpage.

Rent a Park Activity Building

Are you planning a birthday party, reunion, or other event? We have just the location for you! Park Activity Buildings are conveniently located throughout Montgomery Parks and include kitchen facilities and the interior space to handle events ranging in size from 40 to 180 people. Find photos and floorplans, check availability and reserve your Park Activity Building online now!

Montgomery Parks Resource Conservation Plan

Did you know that since 2004, M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks has reduced electricity use by 33%, natural gas use by 37%, propane use by 46% and water and sewage use by 30%? Montgomery Parks and Montgomery County Planning implemented a comprehensive utilities management program in July 2003 that established projects and programs to more efficiently use energy and water resources.

Review the Fiscal Year 2014 Resource Conservation Plan presented to the Montgomery County Planning Board on January 31, 2013, and learn what programs, projects and savings the Department has implemented and plans to work on.

Great Gifts for Park Lovers!

Visit the Parks Store to find a variety of apparel, mugs, hats, clocks, magnets, pet bowls, and more. These make great gifts for people who love parks! All proceeds support Montgomery Parks programs and services.

Connect with Parks

Stay connected with Montgomery Parks through online and social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and more. Tell us how we're doing, find our Program Guide and event calendar, and several other ways to connect and communicate with Montgomery Parks.   

Customer Service Center

Have a question? Notice a problem in a park? We can help. Report a Problem or Ask a Question.

Show Us the Parks that Matter to You!

Parks Matter to a lot of us for a lot of different reasons. We'd love to know what parks or park facilities matter most to you! Here's how to do it:

1. Download a "Parks Matter" sign from our Parks Matter site (scroll to the bottom of the page).
2. Take a picture of yourself (or your friends, children, etc.) holding the sign at one of your favorite Montgomery County parks or park facilities.
3. Send us your photo(s). For more info on how to do this, click here.

We'll show off your photos online and send you a "Parks Matter" button and complimentary "Come Play in the Parks" pass.

Community Corner

Closure of Sligo Creek Parkway at New Hampshire Avenue

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $2.2 million bridge deck replacement project along New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) over Sligo Creek in Takoma Park beginning in May 2013. Construction is expected to last through 2014. Motorists should expect lane closures and traffic impacts during construction. While the Sligo Creek Hiker/Biker Trail will be open during construction, Sligo Creek Parkway will be closed at New Hampshire Avenue, and no through traffic will be allowed. For details on detours click here to access the full travel advisory from SHA.

Carroll Knolls Local Park - Demolition Activity

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks will begin demolition in June 2013 of the former Montgomery College of Arts and Design (MCAD) building located at 10500 Georgia Avenue in Carroll Knolls Local Park. Demolition activities are expected to last through August, 2013 and will include asbestos abatement, demolition of the existing structure, demolition of pavement near the building, and removal of rights of way. For more information, visit www.ParkProjects.org or call 301-495-2595

Ag History Farm Park Bank Barn Project

M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks is in the process of modifying the Bank Barn at the Agricultural History Farm Park to be used for public gatherings including festivals, school groups, interpretive demonstrations, social activities and events. The modifications will maintain the historic integrity and character of the barn and accommodate the existing agricultural uses. Vist the Ag History Farm Park Bank Barn webpage for more information.

Wheaton Trails and Pathways Under Construction

Train & Carousel, Adventure Playground and Six Shelters Remain OPEN

Montgomery Parks is repairing and improving the trails and pathways in Wheaton Regional Park to make them safer and ADA-compliant. Construction is underway and will continue through June 3. Wheaton Train & Carousel, Wheaton Adventure Playground, and Picnic Shelters A, B, C, E, F and H will remain OPEN during construction. For safety reasons, Picnic Shelters D and G will be closed until construction is completed.

Park visitors are advised to use caution near construction areas.  Please visit www.ParkProjects.org for more information, or call 301-495-2595.

Forest Grove Neighborhood Park Renovation

The playground and bridge at Forest Grove Neighborhood Park are currently under renovation. The project is expected to continue until July 1, 2013. The trail will remain open during construction. Please use caution near construction areas. Thanks for your patience as we make improvements to this park.

Construction on Portion of the Rock Creek Trail

Rock Creek trail near Lake Frank from Avery Road S. to the first pedestrian bridge is under construction and will remain so until June 29th. However, the trail will remain open during construction. Please use caution when accessing /using this portion of the trail. The work is being conducted by Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) in an effort to strengthen sewer lines and prevent future problems.

Capital Crescent Trail Work

Repairs and improvements to Capital Crescent Trail’s shoulder and storm water management facilities will begin April 1, 2013 and will continue through mid-June. The trail will remain open during construction, but users are advised to use caution when passing through the construction areas. For more information, visit www.ParkProjects.org or call 301-495-2595. Thank you for your patience as we make safety improvements to this trail.

Trail Work on the Northwest Branch Trail at Kemp Mill Road and Glenallen Road

A stream restoration project has begun on the Northwest Branch Trail at Kemp Mill Road and Glenallen Road in Northwest Branch Stream Valley Unit #4. The project, which is scheduled to continue until June 1, 2013, consists of trail reconstruction, stream bank stabilization, stream grade control structures and minor bridge repairs. The trail will remain open during construction with temporary detours. Trail users are advised to use caution when walking or biking in this area during construction.

Upcoming Community Meetings