Johnson’s Local Park was once the hub of Emory Grove, a community founded by free African Americans in 1864
Montgomery Parks is inviting the public to discuss future renovations to Johnson’s Local Park in Gaithersburg. A previously scheduled meeting was cancelled due to winter weather concerns. The new meeting date is January 21, 2024.
The discussion will focus on ways to update the park, including adding amenities and highlighting the park’s role in the historic community of Emory Grove. Emory Grove was founded in 1864 as a community of self-sufficient, free African Americans. At its peak, it spanned 300 acres and was home to 500 people. The area became known for hosting church “camp meetings” on the land each summer under the sponsorship of nearby Emory Grove United Methodist Church.
“Montgomery Parks wants to hear residents’ ideas for honoring the park’s past, while creating an outdoor recreation space that will be just as vital to future generations,” said Christie Ciabotti, Site Planning Supervisor for Montgomery Parks.
Emory Grove United Methodist is hosting the discussion about the park as part of a regularly scheduled church community supper. The meeting is open to all.
What: Community discussion about future plans for Johnson’s Local Park
When: Sunday, January 21, 2024
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Up County Early Childhood Center
8100 Washington Grove Lane, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
More information and a survey about the project, are available on the Johnson’s Local Park Project Webpage.