Mid-County Sparkles, one of Montgomery County’s Independence Day celebrations, will take place on Saturday, July 1st. Live music begins at 6 pm and fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. No alcohol or pets are permitted. Time is approximate and may change due to weather and additional information will be available closer to the event date. This event will be held at Newport Mill Local Park (11201 Newport Mill Road Wheaton, MD 20895).
So far, other Montgomery County Independence Day celebrations have been announced in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Poolesville, and Rockville:
The City of Gaithersburg will hold its annual SummerFest at Bohrer Park on Saturday, July 1st from from 6pm to 11:30 pm. The festival features live music, food trucks, local breweries, family-friendly activities, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display & SummerGlo After Party.
‘Germantown Glory’ will take place on Tuesday, July 4th. It will feature live music beginning at 7 pm and fireworks beginning at 9:15 pm. No alcohol or pets are permitted. Time is approximate and may change due to weather. Additional information will be available closer to the event date. This event will be held at South Germantown Recreational Park (18041 Central Park Circle Boyds, Maryland 20841).
The Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department and Town of Poolesville will also hold its annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks on Tuesday, July 4th. “Join our community in celebrating our national patriotism at the Soccer Fields off of Hughes Road! There will be music, food, fireworks and fun! Gates open at 5 pm.”
The City of Rockville will hold its annual Independence Day celebration and fireworks display at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm on Tuesday, July 4th from 7pm to 10pm. “This location offers wonderful spectator viewing, and ample and convenient parking for the 4th of July festivities. Enjoy live music by Vertigo Red and a 20-minute fireworks display.”
Montgomery County Outdoor pools are open for weekends and Memorial Day beginning May 27. The full schedule begins June 17.
“Summertime is all about making memories at the outdoor pool. Seven outdoor swimming pools are conveniently located in communities around Montgomery County for easy access to summer fun and fitness. The outdoor pools are kid-friendly, and they also offer adults the opportunity to swim laps.” Choose an outdoor pool that suits your needs, view all seven outdoor pool location below:
“We had a terrific time today celebrating our 76 centenarians in Montgomery County with two, in particular, turning 107 this year!” Montgomery County Recreation (MoCo Rec) shared via social media. The celebration involved any resident who is at least 100 years old (centenarian) and their families. MoCo Rec began its search for Montgomery County centenarians in January of this year. Photos below, courtesy of MoCo Rec, with a video of the event coming soon:
Arts access has been an important part of Strathmore’s mission since its founding. In 2016, Strathmore expanded its commitment to taking the arts beyond its walls, particularly in the eastern part of Montgomery County. “Strathmore is such an important part of the identity of Montgomery County, and it is such a special place,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “But we know the arts are not equally accessible to all members of our County. The ‘East County Initiative’ of Bloom by Strathmore is a creative way to bring a variety of music to community members who might otherwise never have this opportunity. We are happy that Strathmore and Montgomery County Recreation are again partnering in this innovative program.”
More information about Strathmore’s Bloom program can be found at Bloom By Strathmore. The scheduled lineup for this season’s Bloom at Good Hope concert series:
- Saturday, March 11. Standards Reimagined with Christie Dashiell
- Saturday, April 8. Nistha Raj and Chris Bacon: Indian Music Meets Beatbox
- Saturday, May 13. Latin Jazz with Taisha Estrada
- Saturday, June 10. The Jogo Project featuring Elijah Jamal Balbed
- Saturday, July 8. An Evening of Spirituals with Dante’ Pope
- Saturday, Aug. 12. An Evening of Urban Latin Music with Chris Urquiaga
For more information about the concert series, contact Martita Galindo of Strathmore at 301-581-5249 or [email protected].
Montgomery County Recreation is working to ensure the dream of attending prom can come true for all high school students. To ease the financial obstacle, the department is collecting gently used and new dresses, suits and accessories for “Praisner’s Project Prom Dress” giveaway event on Saturday, April 15, at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center in Burtonsville. Dresses, suits and accessories can be donated at the recreation center until March 15 during the following hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The center is located at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. Three other community centers are also collecting items and have specific donation drop-off dates (see below).
- Germantown Community Recreation Center, 18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown
- Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center, 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase
- Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Potomac Community Recreation Center, 11315 Falls Road, Potomac
- Saturday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, any high school student can visit the Praisner community center, show their school ID card, shop the racks and select an outfit for free.
Montgomery County Recreation is seeking residents who are 100 and older for a centenarian celebration that will be taking place this May. Interested residents are asked to fill out an online form by March 10. Additional details courtesy Montgomery County: “Are you a Montgomery County, Maryland resident? Were you born in 1923 or earlier? Do you know someone who is turning 100 in 2023 or currently 100+? Montgomery County Recreation is looking for individuals who are turning 100 years old or older to participant in our centenarian event on May 12. If you are interested or know someone who would be interested, we would love to contact them!
If you know a centenarian living in the County, fill out this online form or contact the senior programs team at [email protected]. Please include the centenarian’s name and address and the contact person’s name, email and telephone number. The deadline to submit is March 10.”
Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes will be free for County residents in 2023. Starting Jan. 3, a free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours. The free pass does not include access to aquatic centers. For aquatic center pass information and prices, visit Aquatic Passes – Department of Recreation – Montgomery County, Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).
“We are pleased to be offering this service free to our residents in 2023,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we head into the new year and many are renewing their fitness goals, I encourage our County residents to take advantage of these great spaces. Make sure to head to a community recreation center near you to check out all they have to offer. Thank you to the team at Montgomery County Recreation for helping make this happen.”
Membership makes it easy for residents to work out close to home, near their office or at any center location that is convenient for them. Passes include both the gym and weight room. Non-County residents can purchase a pass for $20 for one month, $80 for six months and $150 for one year. Visit the website for more information.
Plan for the new year! Recreation center fitness passes will be FREE in 2023 for County residents. Beginning Jan. 3, residents can register for the fitness pass in-person at the centers. Details ➡️ https://t.co/Gmpd8R5yPD. pic.twitter.com/nk6KtiwhYr
— Montgomery County Recreation (@MoCoRec) December 28, 2022
“We are pleased to be offering this service free to our residents in 2023,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we head into the new year and many are renewing their fitness goals, I encourage our County residents to take advantage of these great spaces. Make sure to head to a community recreation center near you to check out all they have to offer. Thank you to the team at Montgomery County Recreation for helping make this happen.” Membership makes it easy for residents to work out close to home, near their office or at any center location that is convenient for them. Passes include both the gym and weight room. Non-County residents can purchase a pass for $20 for one month, $80 for six months and $150 for one year. Visit the website for more information.
Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Recreation will begin accepting applications for 2023 Rec Assist, the department’s financial assistance program, on Monday, Dec. 12. Rec Assist provides County residents who receive eligible public assistance an opportunity to receive a scholarship to use toward most Recreation activities and memberships. County residents who currently receive public assistance from any of these programs are eligible for Rec Assist: Care for Kids; Free and Reduced-Price Meal Services (FARMS); Housing Assistance from a Shelter; Maryland Energy Assistance; Maryland Medicaid; Montgomery County HHS Rental Assistance Program; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Supplemental Social Security Income; Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and WIC.
Once approved, each eligible family member will receive $200 placed on qualifying individual’s ActiveMontgomery account for use. Rec Assist 2023 funds are available for use from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023, or until the funds are depleted. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis. Rec Assist applications will be accepted online, by mail to Montgomery County Recreation Attention Rec Assist, 2425 Reedie Drive, 10th Floor, Wheaton, MD, 20902, or can be dropped off at that same address Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Once your application is approved, the amount of eligible assistance will be placed on your ActiveMontgomery account within five business days. Funds will be available for use beginning Jan. 1, 2023. For more information, or to apply online, visit mocorec.com/recassist.
Montgomery County Recreation membership passes for exercise enthusiasts will be free for County residents in 2023. The free pass provides access to full-equipped exercise rooms, open gym activities, and game rooms at any Community Recreation Center during regularly scheduled hours.
This membership makes it easy to work out close to home, near your office, or at any recreation center location that’s convenient. Passes include both the gym and weight room. Please note the free pass does not include access to aquatic centers. List of MoCo Rec Centers below:
Locations
Clara Barton
Neighborhood Recreation Center
7425 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John
240-777-4910
More information about the Clara Barton Neighborhood Community Recreation Center
Bauer Drive
Community Recreation Center
14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville
240-777-6922
More information about the Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center
Ross Boddy
Neighborhood Recreation Center
18529 Brooke Road, Sandy Spring
240-777-8050
More information about the Ross Boddy Neighborhood Community Recreation Center
Gwendolyn E. Coffield
Community Recreation Center
2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring
240-777-4900
More information about the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Neighborhood Community Recreation Center
Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac
Community Recreation Center
13850 Travilah Road, Rockville
240-773-4800
More information about the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center
Damascus
Community Recreation Center
25520 Oak Drive, Damascus
240-777-6930
More information about the Damascus Community Recreation Center
East County
Community Recreation Center
3310 Gateshead Manor Way
Silver Spring
240-777-8090
More information about the East County Neighborhood Community Recreation Center
Germantown
Community Recreation Center
18905 Kingsview Road, Germantown
240-777-8095
More information about the Germantown Community Recreation Center
Good Hope
Neighborhood Recreation Center
14715 Good Hope Road
Silver Spring
240-777-8055
More information about the Good Hope Community Recreation Center
Jane E. Lawton
Community Recreation Center
4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase
240-777-6855
More information about the Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center
Long Branch
Community Recreation Center
8700 Piney Branch Road
Silver Spring
240-777-6965
More information about the Long Branch Community Recreation Center
Longwood
Community Recreation Center
19300 Georgia Ave., Brookeville
240-777-6920
More information about the Longwood Community Recreation Center
Mid-County
Community Recreation Center
2004 Queensguard Road
Silver Spring
240-777-6820
More information about the Mid-County Community Recreation Center
Plum Gar
Community Recreation Center
19561 Scenery Drive, Germantown
240-777-4919
More information about the Plum Gar Community Recreation Center
Potomac
Community Recreation Center
11315 Falls Road, Potomac
240-777-6960
More information about the Potomac Community Recreation Center
Marilyn J. Praisner
Community Recreation Center
14906 Old Columbia Pike
Burtonsville
240-777-4970
More information about the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center
Bette Carol Thompson Scotland
Neighborhood Recreation Center
7700 Scotland Drive, Potomac
240-777-8075
More information about the Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Community Recreation Center
Silver Spring
Recreation and Aquatic Center
1319 Apple Ave., Silver Spring
More information about the Silver Spring Recreation & Aquatic Center
Coming 2023!
Upper County
Community Recreation Center
8201 Emory Grove Road Gaithersburg
240-777-8077
More information about the Upper County Community Recreation Center
Wheaton
Community Recreation Center
11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton
240-773-4825
More information about the Wheaton Community Recreation Center
White Oak
Community Recreation Center
1700 April Lane, Silver Spring
240-777-6940
More information about the White Oak Community Recreation Center
Wisconsin Place
Community Recreation Center
5311 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase
240-777-8088
More information about the Wisconsin Place Community Recreation CenterTo get a pass, residents should visit a center location near them. Proof of residency must be provided to receive a pass.
Montgomery County Recreation is hosting holiday-themed, family-friendly events for everyone to enjoy this winter. From cocoa and crafts to photos with Santa, December events will be hosted at community recreation centers, senior centers and aquatic facilities across the County. Registration for events can be completed online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Registration for winter programs and activities is also currently underway. Upcoming special events hosted by Montgomery County Recreation will include:
Saturday, Dec. 3:
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bauer Drive Holiday Craft Show. Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Dr., Rockville. Featuring local and regional artists’ original works of art, photography, fabric arts, jewelry, candles, holiday decorations and woodwork items. Food vendors on site. Free parking.
- 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cocoa and Crafts. Ross Boddy Neighborhood Recreation Center, 18529 Brooke Rd., Sandy Spring. Create gingerbread house or sugar igloo while enjoying cocoa, treats and other crafts and games.
- 5-7 p.m. Winter Wonderland Paint and Sip. Plum Gar Community Recreation Center, 19561 Scenery Dr., Germantown. Sip cocoa while receiving step-by-step instructions in creating a holiday masterpiece. Painting supplies and refreshments will be provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Sunday, Dec. 4:
- 1-5 p.m. Holiday Craft Show. Clara Barton Neighborhood Recreation Center, 7425 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John. Featuring handmade crafts, jewelry, paintings, woodcraft and more by 30 local artists.
Saturday, Dec. 10:
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Damascus Winter Wonderland. Damascus Community Recreation Center, 25520 Oak Dr., Damascus. Highlights will include holiday crafts, family games, and a featured movie.
- 1-3 p.m. Therapeutic Recreation’s Santa’s Workshop. Holiday Park Senior Center, 2950 Ferrara Dr., Silver Spring. For individuals with disabilities and their families. Visit Santa at Holiday Park North Pole and make crafts with Santa’s elf helpers. Holiday games and treats will be available.
Friday, Dec. 16:
- ·6-9 p.m. Santa’s Workshop in Burtonsville. Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center. Enjoy cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, delicious s’mores and more. The evening will include the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Saturday, Dec. 17:
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Photo Op & Cocoa with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Recreation Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Rd., Silver Spring. Participants will use their own cell phones so that they will have immediate access to their pictures at no cost. Registration is required.
- 6-9 p.m. Deck the Halls with Spaghetti and Meatballs. Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center, 14715 Good Hope Rd., Silver Spring. Enjoy a free family dinner, arts and crafts, hot cocoa bar and ice skating. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Live entertainment provided by Strathmore.
Wednesday, Dec. 21:
- 2-3 p.m. Jingle and Mingle with DJ Chrome. North Potomac Senior Center, 13850 Travilah Rd., Rockville. Highlights will include music, refreshments, dancing and lots of fun. For residents 55 and older.
Saturday, Dec. 31:
- 6:30-9:30 p.m. Therapeutic Recreation’s New Year’s Eve Party. Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Silver Spring. For individuals ages 15 and up with disabilities. Celebrate the end of 2022 and ring in the new year. Dress in your best party attire. New Year’s party favors will be available. Pre-registration is encouraged.
