Montgomery Parks is preparing for the Independence Day holiday weekend with community celebrations, extended Open Parkways, and a variety of recreational amenities available throughout the county from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5.
Residents can celebrate the holiday at two co-sponsored events that will include fireworks. Montgomery County 250th: Shine Together will take place on Friday, July 3, from 7 to 11pm at Newport Mill Local Park, while Germantown Glory is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, from 7 to 9:30pm at South Germantown Recreational Park.
For the holiday weekend, Montgomery Parks is extending its Open Parkways program. Beach Drive between Knowles Avenue and Cedar Lane, along with portions of Sligo Creek Parkway, will be closed to motor vehicles and open to pedestrians and bicyclists beginning at 9am on Friday, July 3, through 6pm on Sunday, July 5. Officials note that reopening the roads may take up to 30 minutes after the scheduled reopening time.
Many outdoor park amenities will remain open daily from sunrise to sunset, including parks, trails, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor fitness stations, and most outdoor tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts. Picnic shelters and campfire rings are also available by reservation at select parks.
Several attractions will also be open during the weekend, including Little Bennett Campground, Black Hill Discovery Center and Boats, Cabin John Miniature Train, Wheaton Miniature Train and Carousel, South Germantown SplashPark and Mini-Golf, Brookside Gardens, and the new disc golf course at Northwest Branch Recreational Park.
Lake Needwood Boats, Brookside Nature Center, and Locust Grove Nature Center will be open on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5. Other facilities, including the Cabin John Ice Rink, Wheaton Ice Arena, Josiah Henson Museum and Park, Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, and indoor tennis facilities, will have modified holiday schedules.
Montgomery Parks headquarters, permits offices, customer service offices, Brookside Nature Center, and Locust Grove Nature Center will be closed on Friday, July 3. Additional facilities, including the ice rinks, indoor tennis centers, Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, Josiah Henson Museum and Park, and the BMX Pump Track at South Germantown Recreational Park, will be closed on Saturday, July 4. Kingsley Schoolhouse will remain closed on Sunday, July 5.
Residents planning to visit a specific attraction are encouraged to check operating hours before heading out, as several facilities will have adjusted schedules for the holiday weekend.
