Montgomery Parks Archives - Page 33 of 52

Montgomery Parks Wins a 2023 Communicator Award of Excellence

Published May 10, 2023 at 3:34PM

The department also snagged three Awards of Distinction in the international competition that honors excellence in communications. Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), won four Communicator Awards for creative excellence in digital, video, design, and print communications. The 29^th Annual Communicator Awards received around 3,000 entries and is considered the largest and most competitive international awards program honoring communications professionals.

Montgomery Parks received an Award of Excellence, the competition’s highest honor, for the Department’s work educating, informing, and engaging audiences through social media. The department also received three Awards of Distinction for the countywide trail map, an e-newsletter and HR recruitment videos. Other winners include Bank of America, PBS, AARP, Groove Jones, George Mason University and Pepsico.

Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Park Community Meeting

By MCS Staff

Published May 9, 2023 at 4:29PM

Residents can comment online or in-person about the future of the popular Silver Spring destination: Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is holding a hybrid community meeting about the planned renovation of Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park.

What: Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Community Meeting When: Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Pit Stop in Downtown Wheaton on Bike to Work Day To Offer Refreshments and Giveaways

By MCS Staff

Published May 4, 2023 at 3:25PM

Montgomery Parks is hosting a pit stop for people pedaling to work on national Bike To Work Day. “Bike riders encouraged to stop by for refreshments and giveaways on Friday, May 19, 2023.” The pit stop will take place between 7am-9am at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.

Per Montgomery Parks: Montgomery Parks is co-sponsoring the pit stop with the County Department of Transportation. It willwelcome cyclists in a fun atmosphere with refreshments and giveaways. There are 14 Bike To Work pit stops scheduled in Montgomery County, and more than a hundred in the Washington metropolitan area. Bike To Work Day is a national effort to encourage people to commute to work on bikes instead of by car. The benefits of cycling include better physical health through exercise and improved mental health resulting from time spent outdoors. Cycling can also help improve air quality by cutting down on harmful fossil fuel emissions. Bike To Work Day organizers hope to raise awareness about the rules of the road for drivers, pedestrians,and cyclists. And highlight the need for fair access to low-stress roadways and connected trails for all to use safely.

Montgomery County Nature Centers Will Have Special Programs in May

By Patrick Herron

Published May 4, 2023 at 8:39AM

For more information, visit the Spring 2023 Montgomery Parks Program Guide.

Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar to view a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery.

Montgomery Parks Seeks Input on Plans to Convert Tennis Courts to Six Pickleball Courts at East Norbeck Local Park

By MCS Staff

Published May 3, 2023 at 10:36AM

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is seeking public input about plans to convert two tennis courts to six dedicated pickleball courts at East Norbeck Local Park. The proposed project aims to expand pickleball opportunities in the county by creating a hub of multiple, dedicated courts for the increasingly popular sport. The public may submit their feedback on the plan at the online Open Town Hall through Friday, June 2, 2023. “Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation and here in Montgomery County. While Montgomery Parks has a strong inventory of shared pickleball and tennis courts, we need to increase the number of dedicated pickleball courts to accommodate the demand,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks.

Montgomery Parks currently has more than 75 shared pickleball/tennis courts and only eight dedicated pickleball courts. East Norbeck Local Park has been selected as a suitable location for a pickleball hub for multiple reasons including:

Germantown Adventure Park Renovation Survey

By MCS Staff

Published May 2, 2023 at 3:33PM

Montgomery Parks soliciting input on the renovation of one of the area’s most popular playgrounds : After 20 years of use, South Germantown Adventure Playground is ready for an update. Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is seeking public input on its plan to replace the South Germantown Adventure Playground. “Our goal is to provide fun and inclusive play experiences for kids of all age groups,” said Ching-Fang Chen, the project manager and landscape architect with Montgomery Parks. “With the new playground we are working to create a well-rounded play environment that offers exciting and challenging activities, opportunities for nature play, sensory play and multi-generational play, a lively space where kids can interact and let their imaginations run free.”

Montgomery Parks is seeking the community’s input on the upcoming renovation through an online Open Town Hall survey: Open Town Hall Forum- April 27-May 29, 2023 https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/12781 In addition to upgrading the play area, the renovation will add accessible walkways, picnic areas, seating, a game/workout area and improved landscaping and stormwater management to the park. Construction is expected to begin in Spring of 2024.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Named a Finalist for 2023 National Gold Medal Awards for Park Excellence

By MCS Staff

Published April 29, 2023 at 9:48AM

The Gold Medal Awards program recognizes park departments throughout the country that prove excellence in serving their communities. Areas evaluated include long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition.

“We are honored to be a finalist for this prestigious award for our parks and recreation management,” said Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Director Bill Tyler. “The Commission strives for excellence each and every day, and we are committed to continuing to provide outstanding parks and recreation services, programs, and events to residents and visitors.”

Montgomery Parks May Special Events and Programs

By MCS Staff

Published April 28, 2023 at 8:46AM

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, announces its lineup of special events and programs in May for people of all ages. Events include the start of Acoustics and Ales and Salsa in the Park programs, guided hikes on the Underground Railroad Experience Trail, and Family Archaeology Day. May events in Montgomery Parks include:

Kingsley Schoolhouse Tour | First Sunday of the month through October 2023 | 1 – 4 p.m.

Montgomery Planning Board Approves Permanent Road Diet on Little Falls Parkway

By MCS Staff

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: