Montgomery Parks announces facility operating hours for the Thanksgiving holiday, including the extension of the Open Parkways initiative.

Open Parkways Schedule 

Open to pedestrians and cyclists from Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at 9 a.m. through Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 4 p.m. 

• Sligo Creek Parkway:    

• Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road (1.1 miles)    
• Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard West (1.5 miles)    

• Beach Drive from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue (2.7 miles)     

Open to pedestrians and cyclists from Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at 7 a.m. through Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 4 p.m. 

• Little Falls Parkway from River Road to Arlington Road (1 mile)   

Thanksgiving Day Operating Hours  

What’s OPEN on Thursday, November 25, 2021  

• Parks, trails, gardens, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor exercise stations, tennis and pickleball courts 
• Brookside Gardens – gardens open sunrise to sunset. (Visitor Center, Conservatory, Gardens of Lights closed) 

• Little Bennett Campground   

What’s CLOSED on Thursday, November 25, 2021 

• Montgomery Parks’ Headquarters, Customer Service, and Permit Offices (also closed Friday, November 26, 2021)  

• Brookside Gardens’ Visitor Center, Conservatory, Gardens of Lights closed.  
• Josiah Henson Museum (grounds open sunrise to sunset) 
• Woodlawn Manor Visitor Center & Museum (grounds open sunrise to sunset) 
• South Germantown Driving Range  
• Cabin John Ice Rink  

• Wheaton Ice Arena   
• Pauline Bentz Addie Tennis Center  
• Wheaton Indoor Tennis  
• Wheaton Sports Pavilion  
• Indoor Nature Facilities (grounds remain open sunrise to sunset) 

• Black Hill Visitor Center (closed November 25 – 26, 2021) 
• Brookside Nature Center (closed for renovations) 
• Locust Grove Nature Center (closed November 24 – 26, 2021) 
• Maydale Nature Classroom (open when programs and events are scheduled)  
• Meadowside Nature Center (closed for renovations) 

Visit MontgomeryParks.org for complete operating hours for all facilities.  

Montgomery Parks is hosting the department’s first-ever  Urban Wood Sale on Saturday, November 13, and Sunday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Green Farm Maintenance Facility, 8301 Turkey Thicket Drive in Gaithersburg.

Each year, Montgomery Parks removes hundreds of hazardous dead and dying trees from the park system. Through the department’s Green Waste Recycling Program, some of the removed trees are turned into wood products that are reused within the parks department, such as mulch, compost, and lumber.

“We wanted to bring public awareness to urban wood recycling and what Montgomery Parks is doing to produce sustainable wood products that are used in our park operations,” said Senior Urban Forester Colter Burkes. “This wood sale will allow people to buy unique pieces of lumber and support local wood recycling efforts.”

The sale will feature milled wood, wood chunks, and burls that can be used for woodworking, furniture building or repair, carpentry, or general hobby wood projects. Available lumber includes ash, cherry, maple, oak, mulberry, locust, and poplar, in a variety of dimensions. All lumber is rough-sawn and un-planed.

Wood will be available while supplies last and can be purchased by credit card only.

The Montgomery County Council has approved funding to acquire the property on 1110 East-West Highway in Downtown Silver Spring.

Back September 30, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved the Montgomery Parks Department proposal to acquire the property.

Per the Council staff report:

This acquisition will create the new South Silver Spring Urban Recreational Park that will provide recreational amenities to a diverse, underserved, and growing urban community.

The proposed park is supported by the Equity Focus Area (EFA) analysis recently completed by the Parks and Planning Departments. It would serve a neighborhood located within the EFA that covers much of the Silver Spring CBD.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission has negotiated a Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire this property from Imperial Investment Company for $7,500,000.

The property consists of 0.957 acres strategically located for the proposed new urban recreational park.

The parcel in question was specifically designated in the Energized Public Spaces Functional Master Plan (County Council Approved and Adopted, 2018) as a proposed urban recreational park.

The property fronts on East-West Highway and Kennett Street on opposite sides, providing the public access and visibility necessary for an urban park.

After the property is turned over to the Parks Department, removal of the existing structure and pavement will be prioritized. To create an interim park that is available for public use after demolition is complete, simple improvements such as open lawn, natural surface paths, benches and picnic tables may be added to the new park.

The costs associated with demolition and minor interim improvements are estimated at $500K, including abatement of hazardous materials. This initial work will be funded through a combination of available funding sources.

Some Operating Budget Impact (OBI) for the initial ownership period will accrue. OBI for management of the lease and property by Facilities Management staff is estimated at $2,500/year, while some of those costs will be offset by rental revenue. No other OBI is expected during this short initial ownership period.

After demolition and site cleanup and conversion into the interim park condition, interim OBI is estimated at $5,000/year. Tasks to keep the new park maintained during this interim period primarily include regular park maintenance (mowing, trash removal, etc.) and park police monitoring of this urban park site.

Future development as a full Urban Recreational Park will be prioritized and implemented through the Parks CIP process. Facility planning will provide estimated capital and operating costs for a fully developed park, and creation of a stand-alone capital project will serve to provide funding for this significant urban park project.

The full council staff’s report can be seen here.

November 15, 2021, virtual event features remarks from renowned entomologist Doug Tallamy. 

Montgomery Parks invite the public to its 2021 annual meeting and silent auction. The virtual event will be held on Monday, November 15, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and features professor, entomologist, and author Doug Tallamy as the guest speaker.

“To celebrate our 20th anniversary and our accomplishments over the years, we have the privilege of having renowned entomologist and well-known native plant ambassador Doug Tallamy as our guest speaker,” said Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs President Keri Pérez. “One of the things the Friends strive to do is educate and promote the importance of native plants, so having Tallamy speak is our way of expressing gratitude to all of our members and educating people about the importance of planting native.”

Tallamy will share his insights on the critical importance of native plants. He advocates that traditional approaches to gardening must change. He believes that home gardens can become forces in conservation as well as bridge the gaps between parks and preserves in providing habitat for native species.

Event Details

What: Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs 2021 Annual Meeting and Silent Auction

When: Monday, November 15, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The silent auction will run from Wednesday, November 10, until Monday, November 15. To view the silent auction items, click here(

Where: This meeting is virtual and free. Participants must pre-register to receive the meeting link. Register Here(

“The Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs have worked tirelessly to ensure that the community has a thriving space to visit, learn, and play in Black Hill Regional Park, said Black Hill Visitor Center Facility and Program Manager Jennifer Scully. “I am grateful for their advocacy and financial support in recent years to help us have a Teacher- Naturalist internship program, summer camp scholarships, and our future SEED classroom complex.”

During the meeting, Montgomery County Councilmembers Craig Rice and Andrew Friedson will present The Friends of Black Hill Nature Programs a proclamation honoring their 20 years of dedication to supporting nature programs and environmental education and ensuring these resources are available to all individuals.

About Doug Tallamy
Renowned Professor, Entomologist and Author, Doug Tallamy. Doug is the author of the best-selling books “Nature’s Best Hope and The Nature of Oaks” and “Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants”. Doug has been featured/interviewed by the New York Times, National Public Radio, Associated Press, and various other outlets. He speaks nationwide about his concerns that the approach to gardening must change.

Montgomery Parks has announced new winter hours for the Open Parkways Program beginning on Sunday, November 7, 2021.

The program opens portions of Sligo Creek Parkway, Beach Drive, and Little Falls Parkway to pedestrians and cyclists for recreation.

“We are pleased to see so many residents enjoying our open parkways. For the safety of all users and staff, we will once again adjust the program hours as the days get shorter so that the opening of the gates on Sunday evenings occurs during daylight,” said Darren Flusche, Acting Division Chief, Park Planning & Stewardship Division.

Open Parkways Winter Schedule:
Open to pedestrians and cyclists from Fridays at 9 a.m. through Sundays at 4 p.m.

•  Sligo Creek Parkway
  •  Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road (1.1 miles)
  •  Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard West (1.5 miles)
•  Beach Drive from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue (2.7 miles)

Open to pedestrians and cyclists from Saturdays at 7 a.m. through Sundays at 4 p.m.

•  Little Falls Parkway from River Road to Arlington Road (1 mile)

Montgomery Parks launched the Open Parkways Program in March 2020 to provide more outdoor space for recreation and exercise in response to COVID-19. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the initiative, the program remains in effect. The spring/summer Open Parkways schedule which keeps the parkways open for recreational use through Sundays at 6 p.m. is expected to resume in March 2022

Montgomery Parks will lift the suspension of the park directive that allowed alcohol in 13 parks across the county. The temporary directive was suspended on July 1, 2021, in response to the end of the COVID-19 State of Emergency issued by the State of Maryland.

“While the directive was in effect, people were responsibly enjoying food and alcohol in these parks,” said Montgomery Parks Director Mike Riley. “It has been great to see the support from the public and elected officials to bring this program back.”

“Our parks have helped us get through the pandemic by providing much needed outlets for our physical and mental health,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass. “The parks system also innovated their services by creating the Picnic in the Park program, which has been hugely popular among residents and small business owners. I’m delighted that this program will continue and that individuals will be able to enjoy an adult beverage in the great outdoors.”

“We encourage people to gather with their friends and families in our parks for birthdays, barbecues, and other events, and this program is part of that effort,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson, who serves as the council’s lead on parks. “We heard from many residents who really appreciated being able to enjoy a glass of wine or beer outdoors on a nice day.”

The parks department’s top priority is always the safety of its patrons, staff and volunteers. The pilot program allows park patrons, 21 years of age or older, to responsibly consume alcohol during operating hours, dawn to dusk, in 13 parks. Additionally, Park Police will continue to ensure all state and county laws, as well as Park Rules and Regulations, are being followed.

The original park directive was enacted on September 24, 2020, and allowed for the consumption and possession of alcohol in nine Montgomery Parks until May 31, 2021. On May 27, 2021, the directive was then renewed for an additional 12 months and expanded from the original nine parks to 13.

Information about the program, including maps of the areas in the 13 parks where alcohol is permitted, can be found online at www.montgomeryparks.org.

Courtesy of Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on, Monday, October 18, 2021, for the department’s first dedicated pickleball courts, located at Bauer Drive Local Park.  The six new courts have lights for play until 11 p.m. and are located adjacent to the Bauer Drive Communnity Recreation Center.

Pickleball is a fast-paced, low-impact sport that combines several classic games including badminton, tennis, and table tennis. It is played with a tennis-like net and paddles slightly larger than ping pong, with a plastic whiffle ball. 

“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Montgomery County and nationally,” said Mike Riley, Director of Montgomery Parks. “With these new courts, we now have 40 pickleball courts in our park system, with plans for adding more in the coming years.”  

In 2019, Montgomery Parks concluded a pickleball study that investigated service needs, gaps, user preference for facility location and design, and service delivery strategies. The study was a multi-year collaborative process and gathered input from various sport court users to identify the best solutions for creating more opportunities for outdoor pickleball. As a result, 30 courts were completed in 2021 based on recommendations gathered by the study.   

“Pickleball is a fantastic sport because almost anyone can play – you don’t have to be in top shape to pick it up,” said Casey Anderson, Chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board. “It’s also a great way to meet people and make friends, so it helps keep people engaged and connected.” 

Local and state elected officials attended the event, including Montgomery County Councilmember and Parks Lead Andrew Friedson, Maryland State Senator for District 19 Benjamin Kramer, and Maryland State Delegates for District 19 Charlotte Crutchfield and Vaughn Stewart. 

“Quality parks and recreational facilities have always been crucial to the health, well-being and quality of life of our residents, and this has been especially clear during the pandemic,” said Councilmember Friedson. “These wonderful pickleball courts are just the latest example of how we’re adapting our public amenities to meet the changing needs of our community to ensure our parks and open spaces are inclusive for all ages, abilities, and interests.”  

“It is very exciting that Montgomery Parks has located its first dedicated pickleball courts at the Bauer Drive Local Park in Rockville,” said Senator Kramer. “Pickleball is an exciting sport that challenges a person’s reflexes and athletic skill with less stress on the joints than tennis. My thanks to M-NCPPC for prioritizing pickleball in Montgomery County.” 

“I’m excited for Maryland Legislative District 19 to be the “epicenter” of pickleball in Montgomery County, it is a sport that will continue to promote the health and wellness of our neighbors,” said Delegate Crutchfield.  

“Pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in America, and as a regular player, I couldn’t be more excited about these dedicated courts,” said Delegate Vaughn Stewart. “Pickleball is great exercise and lots of fun, but more importantly, it’s a social game that builds community. I applaud everyone that made this amazing facility a reality.”

Elected officials and members of the community took advantage of the opportunity to participate in pickleball lessons and gain tips from Rob Campbell, USA Pickleball Association District Ambassador for Montgomery and Prince Georges counties. 

“The addition of the courts is a positive step in the right direction for the growth of pickleball in Montgomery County,” said Rob Campbell. 

Pickleball can be played across the county. Click here for more information on available courts.

Pickleball in Montgomery Parks

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports both in Montgomery County, and nationally. Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced, but low-impact sport that is a combination of several classic games – badminton, tennis, and table tennis.

It’s played on either a shared court with tennis (players use existing net or bring their own net) or a dedicated court with a tennis-like net that is 34 inches high. The sport uses paddles slightly larger than ping pong, and a plastic whiffle ball.

Pickleball is easy for beginners of all ages to learn and often becomes very competitive among experienced players.  Pickleball provides opportunities for active and social experiences. The sport was earlier limited to indoor recreation centers, but there has been a rising demand for outdoor play facilities.

Montgomery Parks is actively working to increase the number of pickleball courts. In April 2019, Montgomery Parks concluded a Pickleball Study.

This study investigated service needs and gaps, user preference for facility location and design, and the service delivery strategies for a fast track implementation.

The study was a multi-year collaborative process with participation and inputs from various stakeholders — different sport court users (Pickleball, Tennis, and other users), agencies (like Recreation Department, and Municipalities), and citizen representatives — to identify best solutions for creating more opportunities for outdoor pickleball.

Parks with Pickleball Courts

Future Pickleball facilities (in order by anticipated completion date)

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Montgomery Parks issued a warning today about “Critters in Crisis,” at a special event at Maydale Conservation Park. Certain insects, fish, and amphibians are now considered at-risk in local streams due to water quality issues.

According to county natural resource specialists, pollution in county creeks and streams is having a serious negative impact on the wildlife, including changes to, or loss of, habitats, lower oxygen content in water, and the reduction of the variety and hardiness of organisms.

“There is a direct connection between the quality of water in our streams and the vitality of local wildlife,” said DEP Director Adam Ortiz. “Clean water allows for wildlife to thrive and flourish. Unfortunately pollutants, pesticides, and even pet waste that wash from our streets and lawns flow into our County creeks and streams. The result is stream critters that should be thriving, are instead at risk because of human actions.”

“Montgomery Parks is working with DEP to monitor our streams so we can make informed decisions on how to keep them healthy through land acquisition, stormwater management, and other strategies,” said Mike Riley, Director of Montgomery Parks. “There are many ways the public can also help improve water quality and protect wildlife, including picking up litter and pet waste and volunteering for park cleanups.”

Each of the “Critters in Crisis” has a unique history to Montgomery County and interesting attributes. They include:

• American Eel—the only fish in our area that begins life in seawater (Bahamas and Bermuda area) and travels to freshwater streams for adulthood.
• Acuminate Crayfish—unique to Montgomery and Prince George’s counties (found largely in the Anacostia watershed).
• Giant Stonefly—very sensitive to water pollution. Its lack of abundance is an indicator of less than pristine conditions.
• Marbled Salamander—has a poison tail that helps fend off predators.
• Yellow Lance Mussel—Federally Threatened Species in Maryland, not found in Montgomery County for over 50 years until DEP biologists recently found them in the Patuxent Watershed.

DEP’s programs such as RainScapes, Tree Montgomery, and Green Streets help to reduce pollution from flowing into our creeks and streams. Each of us must play a part in reducing pollution and keeping our water clean. That means

• planting native trees and plants,
• reducing or replacing non-porous surfaces like driveways and sidewalks and
• using environmentally friendly soaps when washing your car at home.

Remember any time it rains everything left on the ground will get washed into our creeks, streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.

DEP and Montgomery Parks regularly monitor County creeks and streams for biological, chemical, and physical stream changes and trends. Biologists test water for oxygen content and assess habitats and stream features for changes.

For more information on Critters in Crisis, visit My Green Montgomery for blog posts on each of the critters listed https://mygreenmontgomery.org/(opens in a new tab)

Montgomery Parks unveiled a communication board at South Germantown Recreational Park on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Montgomery Parks Director Mike Riley and Montgomery Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson were joined by Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Evan Glass for the ceremonial unveiling.

The hands-on, interactive device creates a more inclusive and equitable play environment for park visitors who have autism, who are recovering from a stroke or brain injury, who are non-verbal, and who have learning disabilities and/or developmental disabilities. The boards can also facilitate communication between individuals who speak different languages.

“Montgomery Parks is committed to ensuring our parks are accessible in a variety of ways, including physical access, program access, communication efforts, and inclusive programs,” said Montgomery Parks Director Mike Riley. “Communication boards allow people of all abilities to use and enjoy our parks system.”

“Our parks are a critical part of the quality of life in Montgomery County, which has only grown in importance during the pandemic. It’s important that we continue to find innovative ways to provide inclusive amenities that support all members of the community,” said Councilmember Friedson.

“I am delighted that Montgomery Parks is making our public spaces more accessible for all residents,” Councilmember Evan Glass said. “The new interactive communication boards being installed at parks throughout the County will create a more inviting and inclusive experience for all visitors.”

The 3-foot-by-5-foot board is a framed panel that displays photos, symbols, and illustrations to assist people with diverse language skills to express themselves. The words or phrases are in English, Spanish, and Braille, and customized based on relevant features and activities at the site. Users can gesture, point to, or blink at images to communicate with others.

According to the Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities, 85,852 Montgomery County residents have disclosed that they have a disability. In addition, the U.S. Census states 41.2% of the county’s population speak a language other than English.

The department’s first communication board was unveiled in July at Wheaton Local Park. There are plans underway for additional locations.

Montgomery Parks has released five events that are fun for the whole family in October!

Below you’ll see five activities that’ll get you into the ghoulish spirit of the month. Hey

Halloween Eye Spy Trains

Bring your little pirates, superheroes, and monsters to Halloween Eye Spy Trains(opens in a new tab). The event is a family-friendly moving scavenger hunt. Look for hidden characters during your ride at Wheaton Train and Carousel and Cabin John Train. Open every Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, in October. Get tickets online.

Pumpkins and Pours

Pumpkins and Pours(opens in a new tab) at Western Grove Urban Park in Chevy Chase Village Saturday, October 16, 4 to 8 pm, has seasonal fun for everyone. Children can decorate free pumpkins while parents enjoy local craft beer. A food truck will be onsite offering pizza and gelato. Drive, bike, or take the train and bus to the event. Free admission!

Nightmare on Elm Street Urban Park

Spooky, silly fun for everyone at Nightmare on Elm Street Urban Park(opens in a new tab)! Costume parade, lawn games, scavenger hunt, and food and drink vendors! Join us for this free event at Elm Street Urban Park Saturday, October 30, from 1 to 4 pm.

Walktober

Work on your steps during Walktober and Walk Maryland Day(opens in a new tab) on October 6. Montgomery Parks is participating in this statewide event to encourage walking as a great way to improve health. Montgomery Parks has programs, parks, and trails that will keep you moving every day in October and beyond.

Movie Night in the Gardens

Pass the popcorn! Brookside Gardens invites you to its free family Movie Night in the Gardens(opens in a new tab) on Tuesday, October 5. Watch Coco with us on our giant screen outdoors on the lawn next to the visitor center. Seating begins at 6:30 pm. Free blankets to the first fifty attendees.