Community survey focuses on possible new amenities at Jesup Blair Park
WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks is conducting an online survey, seeking community input on the renovation of Jesup Blair Park.
At 15 acres, Jesup Blair Park is the largest park in downtown Silver Spring. It is located near the DC line and bordered by Georgia Avenue, CSX/transit railroad tracks, Blair Road, and Jesup Blair Drive.
The park currently has a playground, soccer field, lighted tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas, and the historic Jesup Blair House. Planners are hoping to increase use of the space by developing a “park for all” that appeals to a diverse group of park users with varying interests, abilities, and ages.
“We hope as many people as possible take the survey and let us know what they would like to see in this park” said Project Manager and Landscape Architect Matt Weir. “It is a vital open green space for downtown Silver Spring and adjacent communities. Spending time walking, playing, socializing, or simply enjoying the tree shade can be good for physical and mental wellbeing.”
What: Jesup Blair Park Survey
When: September 22-October 31, 2023
Where: Online: Jesup Blair Survey
In addition to the online survey, Parks staff will gather input at upcoming in-person events and community meetings. Details on those meetings and the project timeline will be posted on the Jesup Blair project page on Montgomery Parks website.
The park plan will also be guided by the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan (SSDAC). That sector plan was approved by the Montgomery County Council and the Montgomery Planning Board in 2022. Its goal, in part, is to ensure that development in downtown Silver Spring allows for open spaces to support a healthy community.
The vacant Jesup Blair House sits in the center of the park. The house and the entire park are included in the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation. A separate project is underway to find a tenant and renovate the historic house.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. 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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