Montgomery Parks awarded $7.5 million federal grant to fund “Safe Streets and Roads for All”

 Funding will create safer access to Montgomery Parks trails and parks. 

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), has received $7.5 million from the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. The money will be used to facilitate safe access to parks, trails, and recreation facilities in the county through 2026.  The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. 

“This funding will help achieve our shared Vision Zero goals, which seek to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on Montgomery County roads by 2030,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks. “Our parkways and trails are intended to serve as safe corridors for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, and with this grant, we will have the opportunity to make significant improvements.” Montgomery Parks manages nearly nine linear miles of public roadways and 230 miles of shared use pathways and hard surface trails, with more than 200 trail crossings of public roadways in the county.

The SS4A grant money will be applied to three major parks and trails in the county: Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park and trail, Matthew Henson State Park and trail, and Wheaton Regional Park. All these sites are adjacent to locations where 14 pedestrian and bicyclist deaths occurred between 2015 – 2019. The locations are all in historically disadvantaged communities. The parks department will deploy four strategies to improve safety at the access points, including:

  • developing safe trail connections to neighborhoods
  • providing safe crossings for people walking, biking and driving through intersections
  • creating separated spaces for all users of the transportation network in dense multimodal areas
  • developing a permanent program of low-volume streets into neighborhood greenways

In addition, the department will consider adding street lighting, providing safety education programs, increasing enforcement for failure to yield to pedestrians and assessing 12 – 15 trail crossings with major roadways for future improvements. 

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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