Montgomery Parks To Eliminate Dog Park Permit Fee

County dogs will soon be able to frolic for free at the department's five public dog parks.

County dog owners have one more gift coming their way this holiday season, courtesy the Montgomery County Department of Parks—the annual $40 dog park permit fee is no more. The fee, which was instituted in July 2010, may have been keeping some dog owners away from the department’s five dog parks, said parks spokeswoman Melissa Chotiner. While parks officials don’t have numbers indicating use of the parks has declined, “anecdotally, we were hearing from park managers saying they were noticing the use has gone down since the permit fee was started,” Chotiner said. The fee will be eliminated effective in January, and the department will look into ways to make up the lost revenue, according to a parks statement. The fee was unpopular among …

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County’s Newest Park Opens in Darnestown Saturday

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Darnestown Heritage Park set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10

County officials plan to celebrate the minting of a new park in Darnestown on Saturday. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony for Darnestown Heritage Park is set for 9:30 a.m. at 14015 Darnestown Road. Darnestown Civic Association leaders, Montgomery County Isiah Leggett and Montgomery County councilman Craig Rice, D-Dist. 2, of Germantown, were expected to offer remarks. Darnestown Heritage Park was built on nearly a half acre of undeveloped land near Darnestown and Seneca roads, an effort spurred from the community’s desire to give the rural, unincorporated place a clear focal point that highlights Darnestown’s history. Montgomery County Planning board approved the facility design for the park in 2007, county records show. More details …

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Seneca Crossing Transformed?

Montgomery County Planning Board vote could determine a $8.6 million park's fate

The Montgomery County Planning Board on Thursday is expected to decide whether a new and improved Seneca Crossing Local Park should be added to its funding wish list. Facility plans would transform the blank 27.8 acres of Seneca Crossing Local Park, along Brink Road near Ridge Road, into a vast recreation area with two multi-use fields, volleyball courts, fitness equipment, a skate spot and trails, according planning board records. Building the park would cost $8.6 million, planning board records show. If approved by the board, final design and construction of the project would be recommended for funding in the 2013-18 capital improvements program. The planning board is also expected to decide whether to adopt the staff recommendation to …

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Green Living in Germantown

A Visit to Seneca Creek State Park

In 1999, the Recycled Tire Playground at Seneca Creek State Park was constructed using 80 to 100 used tires.

On a recent summer morning, desperate to entertain my rowdy brood of three, we drove to Seneca Creek State Park for a picnic and play time.  The park is just five minutes up Clopper Road from our townhouse in Germantown.  The Pines is one of five picnic areas in the park.  The picnic tables - a mix of old-fashioned wood and metal interspersed with newer recycled plastic - are surrounded by mature pine trees.  A fragrant layer of pine needles covers the ground.  Our simple lunch was elevated to an experience by enjoying it under the trees surrounded by bird song. Josette Wiggins, park ranger, said the Pines picnic area is Seneca Creek State Park’s most popular.  “This picnic area is right across from the playground.  It’s the hot-spot …

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Green Living in Germantown

Become a Montgomery Parks Volunteer

There are more than 400 parks and facilities in Montgomery County. Why not volunteer your time at one of them?

Do you enjoy Montgomery Parks?  Now is a good time to volunteer. “We’re gearing up for the spring flurry of events,” said Lynn Vismara, volunteer coordinator.   “We’re very weather-oriented.  We’re very busy in the spring and in the fall, although we do have opportunities in the winter and the summer.” The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, known as M-NCPPC, is the state-chartered bi-county agency which provides the parks system for both Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.  “Volunteers bridge the gap between the commission and the community we serve,” said Jayne Hench, volunteer services coordinator.  “They provide us with the human resources we need to accomplish the department’s mission to provide an outstanding…

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Using Parks and Recreation to Find a Place for Family Fun

Here's how to reserve a county facility for your next celebration or event.

Celebrating a birthday, retirement, anniversary or just feel like hanging out with friends? There are many places available through the county where you can plan your next event. Here's a quick reference guide to the closest areas available through Montgomery County Parks.  Campsites: Gyms: Woodside Gym is available for rent on an hourly basis ($30/hour). A refundable cash deposit ($25) and a security deposit ($150) are also required at the time of reservation. Click here for more information. In-Line Hockey Rink: Ridge Road In-Line Hockey Rink: 21155 Frederick Road Germantown, MD 20874. Rentals cost $10/hour (with a two hour minimum booking period). Click here to check availability.  Park Activity Buildings:  Click here for rate details. …

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