MontgomeryParks.org

Announcements

Brookside Gardens' Conservatory and the Wings of Fancy Butterfly Show Open July 29 at 10am, Wheaton Ice Rink to Reopen on July 29 for the 4:15pm Public Session; Brookside Nature Center Remains Closed.

All Park facilities and programs are open and running on schedule except for Brookside Nature Center, which remains closed due to damage from a fallen tree caused by Sunday's storm. Crews are working to restore power and address any damage caused by the storm at any affected park locations.

In the train, carousel and picnic shelter area of Wheaton Regional Park, patrons are advised to stay away from fallen trees and all areas enclosed with caution tape. Crews will be clearing this area as soon as possible.

Parks Director Sends Letter to County Council President Floreen Seeking Authorization to Keep Portable Toilets in Parks.

With the completion of the Department's retirement incentive program, Union negotiations, removal of staff merit and cost-of-living adjustments, seasonal staff, and supplies and materials, Department finalizes work program for fiscal year 2011 and believes it can cover the cost of keeping the portable toilets in the parks, with the help of community sponsors. Learn more.

Wheaton Dog Park Closed 9am-12pm, Friday, July 30, for Repairs.

A contractor will be repairing the gates at the dog park in Wheaton Regional Park on Friday, July 30, from 9am-12pm. The dog park will be closed during this time.

Avoid Contact with Lake Water at Lake Needwood, Rock Creek Regional Park

There is a strong possibility that a current algal bloom in Lake Needwood is Microcystin—a toxic substance produced by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Water that contains Microcystin can cause minor skin irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort in humans and has been reported to result in health problems to animals that drink infected water. The Montgomery County Department of Parks is working with the Maryland Department of the Environment to complete lab tests to identify the species of Microcystin. These tests should be completed in approximately one week. In the meantime however and as a precaution please avoid all contact with the lake water and do not allow dogs or other pets to drink from or swim in the lake. More on Microcystis... We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Dog Park Permits Required for Use of Montgomery Parks Dog Parks as of August 1, 2010.

Effective August 1, 2010, permits will be required for the use of all Montgomery County dog parks managed by Montgomery Parks, M-NCPPC. The fee charged by Montgomery Parks will allow you and your dog(s) access to all Montgomery Parks dog parks located in Cabin John Regional Park, Olney Manor Park, Black Hill Regional Park, Ridge Road Recreational Park, and Wheaton Regional Park—five at present, with the possibility of more to come. Learn more.

Consolidation of Park Police, Programming, Permitting and Registration Functions into County Government Being Considered by Council

Learn more

Show Us the Parks that Matter to You!

Even in tough fiscal times, it's important to remember that Parks Matter!

1. Download a "Parks Matter" sign.
2. Take a picture of yourself (or your children) at one of your favorite Montgomery County Parks (or park facilities) holding the sign.
3. Send us your photos.

We'll show off your photos online and send you a "Parks Matter" button and complimentary "Come Play in the Parks" pass.

Construction Notice: Trail Work in Black Hill Regional Park

Construction of a new hard surface hiking trail in Black Hill Regional Park is underway. The trail will be eight feet wide, approximately 6,000 feet long and consist primarily of asphalt. The construction area is from the Lake Ridge Drive loop along Picnic Lane to the existing bridge at Little Seneca Creek and connecting to the existing trail near Spinning Wheel Drive. Completion of the work is anticipated in November 2010. Questions? Contact Parks Construction Manager Bob Kane.

Come Play in the Parks

Love BBQ? Get Yours (and Learn How) at Rockwood Manor!

Tuesday, July 20, 7-9:30pm

Here's your chance to watch, learn and eat BBQ with John Snedden, founder of Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company! Head over to Rockwood Manor in Potomac and enjoy a special demonstration and dinner with this BBQ master, including a show-and-tell session of the chef's secrets of memorable barbequeing with only wood and hardwood charcoal. Demonstration and menu includes grilled shrimp, Bostonbutts (pork), beef briskets and flank steak, corn on the cob, grilled portobello mushrooms and asparagus, jalapeno honey cornbread and sweet tea. $45 per person. Pre-registration required; register here no later than Thursday, July 15.

FREE Family Movies at Rockwood

Watch movies under the stars at beautiful Rockwood Manor.All movies will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30pm). No registration required! Just come, bring a blanket and a picnic dinner. Refreshments will be available for purchase, or order boxed dinners ahead of time from Old Angler's Inn and they'll deliver your dinner to you that evening. Click here for the menu.

August 18: Arctic Tale (Raindate: August 19)
For more info, visit RockwoodManor.com

Family Flicks at Wheaton Outdoor Rink

Bring the family and friends and watch a fun family film together at Wheaton Outdoor Rink this summer! Films include:

Saturday, August 17: The Goonies
Saturday, August 21: Shrek

Doors open at 7pm, and movies start at dusk. $2.50 per person (2 & under FREE). Outdoor rink is covered on top and indoor restroom facilities are available. Bring your own blanket or chairs. Snacks will be available for purchase.

Community Corner

Vision2030 Project Seeks Public Input to Determine Direction of Future Parks and Recreation Services

Help Shape the Future of Parks and Recreation in Montgomery County!
Montgomery Parks (Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission) and the Montgomery County Department of Recreation are interested in your opinions on our parks, open spaces, recreation programming, and trails. Your ideas will help guide the long-term planning for our county’s parks and recreation services, facilities, and programs.

For more information or to comment, visit VisionMontgomery2030.org.

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