Montgomery Parks in Montgomery County, Maryland, has unveiled plans to build five new skate parks and an 18-hole disc golf course. The skate parks will be located at Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park in Clarksburg, Wheaton Regional Park Adventure Sports Park in Wheaton, Long Branch Local Park in Silver Spring, South Germantown Recreational Park in Germantown, and potentially at Newport Mill Local Park in Kensington, pending further assessment. The disc golf course will be situated at Northwest Branch Regional Park in Aspen Hill, near the National Capital Trolley Museum.
These projects are scheduled to begin construction in either 2024 or 2025, with Montgomery Parks currently seeking community feedback on the proposed plans. The initiatives aim to provide opportunities for physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, according to Darren Flusche, Park Planning Division Chief.
The decision to increase skate parks and disc golf courses came after receiving feedback from the community and aligning with the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. Montgomery Parks recognizes the need to cater to teenagers and provide safe, authorized spaces for them to gather and spend their time.
Richard Lamb, founder of GOATS on Wheels and a certified skateboarding instructor, highlighted the importance of skate parks in building communities, especially for young skaters. He emphasized the vital role that skate parks play in promoting physical and mental well-being, as well as teaching individuals social skills and self-discipline.
Safety is a priority in planning the skate parks, with improved visibility from the street being a key consideration. Montgomery Parks is currently seeking input from residents through surveys to ensure the parks meet their needs.
The proposed disc golf course has garnered significant support from the local disc golfing community, including Thomas Rowse, who uses the sport to connect with his autistic son. Rowse advocated for the creation of more disc golf sites across the county to cater to the growing number of enthusiasts. The new course at Northwest Branch Regional Park will comprise 18 holes and aims to strike a balance between meeting the needs of local and regional tournaments, beginners, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, a smaller mini course will be designated for beginners and those requiring additional accessibility.
Montgomery Parks invites residents to provide their feedback on the proposed skate parks and disc golf course through surveys that are currently open. The goal is to expand the user base and increase accessibility to these amenities.
Overall, Montgomery Parks seeks to enhance recreational opportunities, foster a sense of community, and promote physical well-being through these new skate parks and disc golf facilities. The projects align with community desires while considering the benefits of physical activity, social engagement, and environmental consciousness.
