Project Description
This project will renovate the Group Picnic Area at Valley Mill Special Park, located along East Randolph Road between New Hampshire Avenue and Colesville Road. The group picnic area is located just north and up the hill of the main parking area in Valley Mill Special Park. The intent of the project is to improve access and update the facilities to the group picnic area including new restrooms, larger playground, and new picnic structures.
Background
Valley Mill Special Park is a 15-acre park that was acquired by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) in several stages from 1980 to the mid 1990’s. The park has a includes the historic mill race and has two picnic shelters, large parking lot and is a trail head to the Paint Branch Trail system.
Group Picnic Area
The group picnic area includes a large picnic shelter, two grills, restroom building, playground, volleyball, athletic field, and a small parking area. The group picnic area is permitted through Montgomery Parks and is one of the most popular in the county. The existing playground is one of the smallest in the county and the limited parking and walking paths do not meet current accessibility guidelines.
Status/Project Update
A conceptual plan was developed by parks staff for the group picnic area renovation and the concept along with a video describing the improvements will be posted on the website. Additionally, an Open Town Hall Survey is available to fill out and submit after reviewing the video. Any questions or comments can also be emailed to the project manager, or you can contact the number below. After community comments have been received, a recommended plan will be developed and posted on the website.
Calendar and Meeting Notes
| Date/Time | Discussion/Meeting Notes |
|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Project start |
| November 2024 | Conceptual design, video presentation, and Open Town Hall survey launched |
| Fall 2024 | Community input on conceptual design |
| Winter 2025 | Solicitation for multi-disciplinary A/E design services issued |
| Winter 2025 – Winter 2026 | Detail design, construction documentation, and final permitting phase |
| Spring 2026 (anticipated) | Start of construction |
*Dates are subject to change. Please contact the Project Manager for the most recent updates.