Montgomery Parks Archives - Page 26 of 50

Montgomery Parks Announces Free Active Aging Week Activities

Published September 18, 2023 at 4:13PM

Per Montgomery Parks: Montgomery Parks is observing Active Aging Week October 2 – 8, 2023, an international celebration of leading an active lifestyle at any age. Residents 50 and older are invited to participate in free programs and events that support and promote the benefits of leading healthy physical, mental and intellectual lifestyles across the lifespan.

“We are committed to inclusivity and having programs and events that appeal to all members of the community. Active Aging Week is a great opportunity for the 50 and better community to come out and enjoy our parks,” said Jennene Blakely, Montgomery Parks Program Access manager. “We have activities geared toward older adults year-round and hope that people keep an eye out for future programming.”

Montgomery Parks to Host Oktoberfest Ale Trail

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 2:11PM

Ale Trail Festival at Lake Needwood in September 2022. Photos by Tony Ventouris.

Per Montgomery Parks: Montgomery Parks will host Parks Ale Trail on Sunday, September 24, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival features a nearly two-mile hike along the trails of Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park, live music, as well as a beer garden and food from area vendors available for purchase. Kids will have an opportunity to climb trees for a bird’s-eye view of the lake and park, with the support of Montgomery Parks tree climbing crews or enjoy the inflatables. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

“We are excited to bring back Parks Ale Trail this year. We are also excited to be featuring five Montgomery County breweries and a winery this year. It promises to be a beautiful day to kick off fall and the Oktoberfest season with a hike, live music, local beer, and food and fun with family and friends,” said Michael Coppersmith, director of Montgomery Parks Activation Program.

Community Invited to Open House at Wheaton Ice Arena September 17

By MCS Staff

Published September 12, 2023 at 2:28PM

Montgomery Parks invites the community to the Wheaton Ice Arena Open House, where guests can learn about and try out ice sports and activities. Stations will be set up to assist members of the community who want to try hockey, speedskating, and figure skating. Guests will be able to meet clubs that operate at Wheaton Ice Arena, get information on group lessons, birthday parties, camps and clinics, and take advantage of sign-up specials on September 17, 2023, from 9 – 11 a.m. The Open House is free, but there is a $4 per person fee to skate (which includes skate rental).

“The Open House is a great opportunity for members of the community to learn about, and experience ice skating and ice sports” said Kimberley Ransfield, Wheaton Ice Arena Facility Manager. “There will be lots of information available for those looking to join a team or club, or who are interested in taking group lessons.”

The Public is Invited to Select Artwork for Park in Downtown Silver Spring

By MCS Staff

Published September 11, 2023 at 6:17PM

Montgomery Parks is inviting the public to vote on a new art installation that will be featured at Gene Lynch Urban Park in downtown Silver Spring. The park was officially opened to the public this summer. In January 2023, a Call for Artists was issued inviting artists to submit their qualifications and examples of their work. A panel shortlisted four artists to prepare site-specific concepts for public art that would complement the park’s green space, trees, and pergola structure. The finalists were selected out of more than 100 submissions and the winner will be selected through public voting.

“Gene Lynch Urban Park is a very high-profile, high-foot traffic area in downtown Silver Spring,” said Montgomery Parks Project Manager Linda Komes. “We had so many great submissions, and it was tough to narrow down the finalists. We hope everyone will take the time to vote for their favorite.” Voting is open to the public. Only one vote per person may be submitted. The design that receives the most votes will be selected as the winner. In the event of a tie, Montgomery Parks’ art selection panel will determine the winning artwork.

September Nature Center Programs of Montgomery Parks Will Include ‘Hiking with Your Dog’ and ‘Etch and Sip Hard Cider Night’

By Patrick Herron

Published September 7, 2023 at 8:47PM

Visit the Fall 2023 Montgomery Parks Program GuideGo to the Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery. Stilt Street, Boyds.

Celebration of New Mural at Brookside Gardens Takes Place Sunday, September 10

By MCS Staff

Published September 7, 2023 at 12:08PM | Updated September 7, 2023 at 12:29PM

Montgomery Parks is inviting the public to a ceremony naming the newest mural at Brookside Gardens. The celebration will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at Brookside Gardens Underlook/Harry Dewey Terrace 1800 Glenallen Ave. in Wheaton, MD 20902 (in case of inclement weather the program will be held in the Visitor Center).

The new artwork was painted this summer by Afro-Cuban artist Osbel Susman-Peña. Entitled “Where Dreams Live/ Donde Viven los Sueños,” the dynamic artwork is in the Brookside Gardens Underlook, adjacent to the Aquatic Garden. The mural is a memorial to the late Betsy Thomas, past president of the Friends of Brookside Gardens.

Update: Nearly 50 Himalayan Cats Have Been Trapped in Two Montgomery County Park Areas

By MCS Staff

Published September 3, 2023 at 12:34PM

Last week we let you know of the Montgomery County Community Cat Coalition (MC C³) announcing that 33 Himalayan cats/kittens have been found in two Montgomery County parks. The number has since approached 50 cats with more being found/trapped each day.

According to MC C³, Himalayan cats and kittens have been found in the Wheaton area, most of them near the Sligo Creek Trail or in Wheaton Regional Park. Some have also been found in nearby neighborhoods. Citizens are engaged in an active effort to search for these cats and kittens and report sightings. There is still no word on who released the cats in the area or why, with efforts concentrated on ensuring their safety.

Montgomery Parks Offers Guidance on ‘Trail Etiquette’

By MCS Staff

Published September 1, 2023 at 11:57AM

Pedestrians, equestrians, and cyclists share trails at Wheaton Regional and other parks

As we head into the Labor Day holiday weekend,  Montgomery Parks is reminding trail users about the importance of trail etiquette. The guidance comes as parks staff have made significant improvements to natural surface trails in Wheaton Regional Park, in compliance with the recently adopted Wheaton Regional Park Master Plan.

Over 30 Himalayan Cats/Kittens Have Been Found in Montgomery County Since This Past Weekend

By MCS Staff

Published August 29, 2023 at 1:24PM

Over the weekend, the Montgomery County Community Cat Coalition (MC C³) announced via social media that 33 Himalayan cats/kittens have been found in two Montgomery County parks. All 33 are currently in foster care with a trapper out for another cat that has been spotted.

According to MC C³, Himalayan cats and kittens have been found in the Wheaton area, most of them near the Sligo Creek Trail or in Wheaton Regional Park. Some have also been found in nearby neighborhoods. Citizens are engaged in an active effort to search for these cats and kittens and report sightings. Initially, over 20 of these cats were found and trapped and a later updated stated that 33 were found. Currently, there is no word on who released the cats in the area or why, with efforts concentrated on ensuring their safety.

Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel Fully Open After Lighting Work

By MCS Staff

Published August 26, 2023 at 9:28AM

Montgomery Parks completes lighting project in the Dalecarlia Tunnel portion of the Capital Crescent Trail

Montgomery Parks says pedestrians and cyclists can expect smooth sailing on the Capital Crescent Trail, now that the installation of new lighting inside the Dalecarlia Tunnel is complete and all lanes of the trail have reopened.

Competition for Pickleball Court Space Will Be Topic of Montgomery Parks Virtual Speaker Series Online Panel Discussion on Friday, Sept. 8

By Patrick Herron

Published August 23, 2023 at 10:50PM

Per Montgomery County: The competition for court space between tennis players and players of pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., will be the topic starting at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, in the next event in the Montgomery Parks’ Virtual Speaker Series. The online discussion, which is free to join and open to all, will feature a panel of experts discuss the challenges of meeting the rapidly growing demand for pickleball in local park systems, comparing the situation in Montgomery County with other areas of the country.

Registration to join the discussion is available at Register. What a pickle! Balancing pickleball and tennis in parks. A Zoom link will be sent to registrants the day before the session.