WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to design the extension of the Magruder Branch Trail into downtown Damascus. The Magruder Branch Trail is a multi-use trail with 4.2 miles of asphalt and boardwalk and 3.3 miles of natural surface. The grant funding will be used to design a one-mile trail extension and replacements for sections of the existing boardwalk needing repair.
“Trails are one of our most popular park amenities and this extension will support better recreational access and add a valuable connection to our network,” said Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks. “We are so grateful for this federal grant funding to improve this beautiful trail along the Magruder Branch stream valley.”
“The community has long sought this important trail connection. I’m grateful to the residents, local civic leaders, and Montgomery Parks for their persistence and for never giving up on this project,” said Dawn Luedtke, Montgomery County Councilmember, District 7. “The Magruder Branch Trail extension will provide a safe route between recreational amenities and the center of Damascus, improving quality of life and supporting businesses in this incredible community.”
“I have seen the popularity of the Magruder Branch Trail among our up-county residents,” said Gabe Albornoz, Montgomery County councilmember, at-large. “I am excited to see progress in completing the original vision and providing a beautiful, safer connection between Main Street, Damascus, our residential neighborhoods, and recreational opportunities.”
The one-mile trail extension will run from the trail’s northern terminus at Valley Park Drive and continue to the Damascus Town Center. The project also includes designs for replacing 2,800 linear feet of deteriorating boardwalk.
Montgomery Parks boasts more than 260 miles of paved and natural surface trails throughout the county.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
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