Montgomery Parks is inviting kids ages six and up to hit the trails this spring with Roots to Rocks, described as a “thrilling, free youth mountain biking program that’s all about fun, adventure, and exploring Montgomery Parks trails.”
Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks announces the name of its newest park in downtown Silver Spring is Bottleworks Lane Urban Park, following a public voting process. The park, located at 1110 East-West Highway (the former National Tire and Battery site), is currently under construction and expected to open in the spring of 2026.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Montgomery Parks and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Purple Line completed a new fish passage project at a stream underpass of Piney Branch Road in the Long Branch community, helping to restore habitat for migratory fish and supporting local aquatic communities.
Montgomery Parks is expanding its solar initiative, with a goal of doubling the park system’s solar energy production over the next five years. The initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and clean energy leadership in Montgomery County in support of the county’s Climate Action Plan.
Montgomery Parks is hosting the second annual Sligo Creek Fest on Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held on a portion of Sligo Creek Parkway that is closed to vehicular traffic on weekends, the festival will feature musical performers on three stages, as well as nature activities, kid’s activities and a variety of local food and brewery options.
Montgomery Parks received $5 million in capital funding for five park projects from the state of Maryland during the 2025 legislative session. The department will use the funding to renovate parks and playgrounds in various legislative districts in Montgomery County.
Montgomery Parks is unveiling an accessible viewing platform at Brookside Gardens, overlooking the Gude Garden, the popular Japanese-style landscape featuring a teahouse, rolling hills, and ponds. A ribbon-cutting for the new amenity will take place April 15, 2025, at 10am.
Montgomery Parks is taking to the ice to celebrate the Washington Capitals ice hockey great Alex Ovechkin, and his record-breaking goal, this Thursday, April 10, 2025, with a special Great 8 Skates event.
The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens is returning to Montgomery Parks later this week. Formerly known as Wings of Fancy, the exhibit is relaunching on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10 a.m., and runs through Sunday, September 21, 2025. Advanced timed tickets go on sale Monday, March 3.