Project Description
The renovation of Elm Street Urban Park is part of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) surface route project. The rerouted trail begins at Willow Lane and extends along the east side of 47th Street. When the trail reaches the Elm Street corner, it continues northward through Elm Street Park before connecting to the Purple Line trail. The realigned trail requires the renovation of the northern section of the park and the Elm Street promenade. In addition to the trail, the park renovation includes playgrounds for 2-12-year-olds, a fitness area for ages 13 and older, accessibility improvements, trees, utility upgrades, stormwater management, walls, and fencing. The promenade will be upgraded with new pavement and furnishings.
Montgomery Parks is designing the renovated park; MCDOT is designing the realigned trail. MCDOT is also funding the construction of both the trail and park renovations. Please refer to the image above for the initial concept design.
Elm Street Park is being designed in coordination with the future Bethesda Market Park, which is proposed to include amenities such as a stage, shade structure, flexible lawn space, amphitheater, water feature, small and large dog park, table games, multigenerational active zone, and a variety of seating options. These park improvements fulfill the vision of the 2017 Bethesda Downtown Sector Plan and 2018 Bicycle Master Plan.
Background
Elm Street Urban Park is located at 4600 Elm Street, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815 and is bounded by the commercial buildings to the north and 46th Street, Willow Lane and 46th Street on other sides. The park measures approximately two acres and offers a green buffer and open space between downtown Bethesda and the Town of Chevy Chase. Elm Street Urban Park is within Town limits but maintained by Montgomery Parks.
The northern extent of the park includes playgrounds, a half basketball court and benches. The pedestrian promenade includes seating, picnic tables, and retaining walls. The park includes seating areas, gazebos, walking paths, open lawn areas, and mature trees.
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Purple Line light-rail project requires the realignment of the CCT. Previous trail designs included a tunnel extending under Wisconsin Avenue and an alternative surface route through Elm Street Park. In October 2021, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved a Mandatory Referral application for each option, which also included concept plans for the park renovation. Funding for the tunnel option was delayed beyond the current funding cycle; consequently, MCDOT decided to proceed with the surface route option through and alongside Elm Street Park.
Status/Project Update
Community outreach resumed in fall 2024 with a virtual public meeting and an online survey. Montgomery Parks incorporated public feedback into the site design. Please see below for more information and continue to check this project website for future updates.
Community Feedback and Final Phase 3 Park Design
Community input shared via public meetings and surveys highlighted the following priorities:
- Inclusive play with flat and stable surfacing and accessible equipment such as enclosed swings and spinners.
- Diverse physical play: climbers, slides, bridges, swings, towers
- Coordination with the future Bethesda Market Park for a complementary experience
- New amenities: lighting, seating, and site furniture
- Enhanced safety at the trail intersection
- Protection of trees and open space (especially in the southern area), new trees, and improved drainage and maintenance
The proposed site design incorporates this feedback for an engaging and inclusive experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. Both playgrounds feature a flat cork-based poured-in-place surface, seating, and boulders. The eastern playground, tailored for 2-to-12-year-olds, includes inclusive play elements including an enclosed swing with harness, a cone-shaped spinner with a low floor for easy access, in-ground bouncers, and a cozy dome for quiet retreat. Additional features include a rocking see-saw with walk-in seat and center platform, and a Hula Loop for bounce and balance play. The treehouse structure includes steps, an access net, and a 4-foot slide. A communication board is also included. Adjacent to it, the middle play area for 5-to-12-year-olds includes two climbing towers (8’ and 15’), two slides, a rope tunnel, and ground-level features (e.g., hammocks, balance lines, and interactive panels). A nearby fitness zone for ages 13+ includes a dip station, calisthenics rack, stepper platforms, and push-up bars. The “Ocean Ring” offers balance-focused fitness and doubles as a social space for teens. All equipment is intentionally distinct from those planned for Bethesda Market Park to ensure a unique experience.
The pedestrian promenade includes new paving, lighting, site furnishings, drinking fountain, and infrastructure to support community events. Safety is prioritized through wide trail crossings with clear sight lines and protective fencing between play areas and the trail. Landscape improvements include two bioretention facilities planted with native species to treat stormwater and improve drainage. Approximately 20 new native trees will enhance shade, biodiversity, and long-term canopy health.
Project Timeline
*Dates and times subject to change.
| Date | Project Stage and Resources |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2021 | Mandatory Referral MR2022002 and MR2020030 approved by Montgomery County Planning Board. |
| November 20, 2024 | Virtual Community Meeting View the recording |
| November 1 – December 7, 2024 | View the Open Town Hall online survey results |
| Summer 2025 | Phase 2 Design Complete (Capital Crescent Trail along 47th Street) |
| Mid-October 2025 | Phase 2 Construction |
| Fall 2025 | Phase 3 Design Complete (Capital Crescent Trail, playground, and promenade improvements in northern Elm Street Park) – view the latest renderings and design |
| Late 2025/Early 2026 | Begin Phase 3 Construction |
| 2026 (anticipated) | Park/Trail Construction Complete (by MCDOT) |