Montgomery Parks Archives - Page 32 of 50

Montgomery Planning Board Approves Permanent Road Diet on Little Falls Parkway

Published April 27, 2023 at 3:13PM

The Montgomery County Planning Board approved the Little Falls Parkway pilot project with four votes for the project and one abstaining, at a work session on Thursday, April 27, 2023. The Board approved reducing the number of lanes between Arlington Road and Dorset Avenue from four to two and incorporating turn lanes, shoulders, a median at the Capital Crescent Trail crossing, and a median between the travel lanes where feasible.

Per Montgomery Parks: The Little Falls Parkway pilot project was initiated in 2022 to study whether two lanes between Arlington Road and Dorset Avenue could accommodate vehicle traffic on this stretch of roadway. To further the County’s Vision Zero goals along the parkway, traffic counts were conducted on Little Falls Parkway between Arlington Road and Dorset Avenue during May, July, September, and December of 2022 and showed the parkway functions well with two lanes of traffic and the traffic calming improves safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Montgomery Parks Observes Mental Health Month “With Parks in Mind”

By MCS Staff

Published April 20, 2023 at 4:11PM

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month “With Parks in Mind,” a free, kick-off event on Saturday, May 6, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Germantown Town Center Urban Park. This event launches the month-long campaign, “Every Mile for Every Mind” a series of walks to encourage people to spend time outdoors hiking a Montgomery Parks trail. These events are coordinated in partnership with local mental health organization, EveryMind.

What: With Parks in Mind: Mental Health Awareness

Montgomery Parks Receives $5.495 Million in Funding from the State of Maryland; 13 Projects Will Be Funded

By MCS Staff

Published April 19, 2023 at 3:34PM

Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, received $5.495 million in capital funding for 13 projects from the state of Maryland during the 2023 legislative session. The funding will be used towards park projects in six legislative districts in Montgomery County that include trail and bridge projects, playground and athletic field improvements, sports court and skatepark amenities, community garden and picnic facilities, environmental restoration, and ADA enhancements.

“Once again, we appreciate the support of the Montgomery County delegation and the entire Maryland General Assembly. These grants will help us deliver needed projects across the county for all our residents to enjoy,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks. Capital grant-funded projects for FY 23 include:

Montgomery Planning Board work session on Little Falls Parkway pilot project to take place April 27

By MCS Staff

Published April 18, 2023 at 9:50AM

The Montgomery County Planning Board will hold a work session about the Little Falls Parkway pilot project on Thursday, April 27, 2023, during its morning session. See the Planning Board agenda for the time of day. During the March 30 public hearing on the project, parks staff presented details about traffic counts on the parkway and a recommendation to make the pilot project permanent, which was followed by public testimony. At the work session, the Planning Board will hear the Parks Department’s response to the public testimony and determine whether to retain the current two-lane configuration between Arlington Road and Dorset Avenue and make additional improvements to the roadway.

The Little Falls Parkway pilot project was initiated in June 2022 to address concerns with cut-through traffic in adjacent neighborhoods associated with the weekend closures of Little Falls Parkway for the Open Parkways Program, while retaining space for recreation on the parkway. Traffic counts were conducted on Little Falls Parkway between Arlington Road and Dorset Avenue during May, July, September, and December of 2022 and showed the parkway functions well with two lanes of traffic and the road diet improves safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Montgomery Parks is Hosting its Free Community Science Festival on April 29

By MCS Staff

Published April 17, 2023 at 5:19PM

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is hosting a free Community Science Festival at Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park on Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Discover the flora and fauna that live in your neighborhood and hone observation skills through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities with Montgomery Parks scientists and naturalists. Take part in the City Nature Challenge and become a citizen scientist. Attendees will also be able to learn how to get involved with local groups and projects.

What: Montgomery Parks Community Science Festival

Postponed: April 15, 2023, Shine Brighter Together event re-scheduled due to forecasted rain

By MCS Staff

Published April 14, 2023 at 2:05PM

Postponed: April 15, 2023, Shine Brighter Together event re-scheduled due to rain The new date for the event is April 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is postponing the Shine Brighter Together event originally scheduled for this Saturday, April 15, 2023, due to inclement weather in the forecast. The Autism Acceptance event will instead be held on its scheduled rain date, Sunday April 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.at Wheaton Regional Park.

Postponed Due to Weather: Silver Spring Intermediate Neighborhood Park Celebration

By MCS Staff

Published April 13, 2023 at 5:51PM

Event rescheduled for the rain date, Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is postponing the planned celebration of the newly renovated Silver Spring Intermediate Park, due to forecasted rain.

April 13, 2023 Planning Board Work Session on Little Falls Parkway Pilot Project is Postponed

By MCS Staff

Published April 10, 2023 at 1:16PM

The April 13, 2023, Planning Board work session for the Little Falls Parkway pilot project is postponed due to the unavailability of Planning Board Chair Zyontz. A new date for the work session will be determined soon and details will be announced in a follow-up press release, on Montgomery Parks website, and on social media.

Parks staff presented details about traffic counts on the parkway and a recommendation to make the pilot project permanent at a Planning Board public hearing on March 30, 2023, which was followed by public testimony. The next step is for the Planning Board to reconvene after reviewing the parks department’s recommendation and the public testimony and decide on the future of the project. One week prior to the rescheduled work session, the Parks Department will post a memorandum summarizing and responding to the public testimony.

Montgomery Parks to Host GreenFest Celebration at Brookside Gardens on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2023

By MCS Staff

Published April 6, 2023 at 9:14AM

GreenFest in the Gardens is part of a two-day celebration with Montgomery County: the second festival, GreenFest in the City, takes place Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Marian Fryer Town Plaza. Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is participating in a two-day GreenFest celebration during Earth Day weekend Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23, 2023. The event includes GreenFest in the Gardens at Brookside Gardens and GreenFest in the City at Marian Fryer Town Plaza in downtown Wheaton. “This is our third year participating in GreenFest by hosting a fun, educational event at Brookside Gardens,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks. “Brookside Gardens is the perfect venue for this event – where attendees can enjoy the beautiful 52 acres of gardens while learning practical ways to help the environment.”

GreenFest in the Gardens: Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Brookside Gardens (1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902)

Free ‘Roller Disco’ Event in Germantown on April 14 by Montgomery Parks

By MCS Staff

Published April 5, 2023 at 10:07AM

Montgomery Parks is hosting a free Roller Disco on Friday, April 14, at the inline skating rink at Ridge Road Recreational Park. The event is open to all ages. “We are excited to bring Roller Disco to the community,” said Michael Coppersmith, manager of Montgomery Parks Activation Program. “We encourage guests to go all out and embrace the theme and enjoy music from the ‘70s and ‘80s.”

What: ‘70s and ‘80s themed Roller Disco

Montgomery Parks is hosting Earth Month events to help residents take action

By MCS Staff

Published April 3, 2023 at 2:10PM

Volunteers will put on their work gloves and help beautify parks. Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is organizing teams of volunteers to help with a variety of volunteer projects for Earth Month 2023. Projects range from trash collection and maintenance in parks to removing invasive non-native plants with the Weed Warriors program. No experience is required, and all necessary tools and work gloves are provided. There are dozens of ways to help. Individual volunteers or groups can find an opportunity by visiting:

Most volunteer opportunities are approved for student service learning hours. Registration is required to participate in all clean-ups and workdays. New projects are regularly being added to the schedule. Volunteers are advised to check back often for the latest on where help is needed, and which programs are already at capacity.