The City of Gaithersburg is moving forward with a multi-phase project at Malcolm King Park aimed at restoring the stream corridor and addressing severe erosion issues.
According to the City, the Department of Public Works plans to carry out both design and construction work in the park as part of the Malcolm King Park Dam Removal and Spot Repair Project. The drainage area feeding into the park is large, covering about 2,000 acres, and is roughly 50% impervious.
The project’s main goals are to remove the dam in order to re-establish a more natural stream environment and to spot repair severe erosion areas throughout the stream corridor.
A dam removal feasibility study completed in 2025 found that removing the dam would result in no adverse effects. The study also identified several locations where spot repairs are needed.
The City has since hired a consultant to continue professional design services. That work is expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2026 and continue through Fiscal Year 2027.
Officials say the project will move forward in three phases. Phase 1 will focus on design services and include community engagement meetings at the 30%, 60%, and final design stages. Phase 2 will cover construction based on the approved final design. Phase 3 will consist of post-construction monitoring.
The City has already held a kickoff meeting with the consultant to review project goals and objectives. Over the next several weeks, the consultant is expected to conduct field data collection and survey work as development begins on the 35% design plan.
That preliminary design will be presented at a future community meeting. The City says details on the meeting date and time will be shared once they are finalized.
Residents who want to be included on the project stakeholder list can email [email protected] with the subject line “Malcolm King Park Dam Removal & Spot Repair Project” and include their name, email address, and resident address, though the address is optional.
