Ribbon-cutting for the new amenity will take place April 15, 2025, at 10 a.m.
WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks is unveiling an accessible viewing platform at Brookside Gardens, overlooking the Gude Garden, the popular Japanese-style landscape featuring a teahouse, rolling hills, and ponds. The new viewing platform was made possible by a gift from long-time friend and supporter of the gardens, the late Joan O’Rourke, so that guests of all abilities can now experience close-up views of the large pond and picturesque gardens surrounding the Japanese Tea House.
“With the philanthropic support from Mrs. O’Rourke, the Montgomery Parks Foundation was able to contract the work on the viewing platform to ensure it could be made available to the public as soon as possible,” said Katie Rictor, executive director of the Montgomery Parks Foundation. “The Montgomery Parks Foundation partnered with Friends of Brookside Gardens to ensure this needed addition came to life.”
“The accessibility created by this platform and supported by my Aunt Joan has opened the door of opportunity for residents of Montgomery County and surrounding areas to fully enjoy the beauty of Brookside Gardens—the beauty my Aunt Joan found and loved,” said Harriann Walker, Joan O’Rourke’s niece.
Montgomery Parks will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new inclusive, accessible platform on April 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. All are welcome.
WHAT: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for new accessible viewing platform at Brookside Gardens (short speaking program, light refreshments)
WHEN: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
(Rain or shine)
WHERE: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Md. 20902
The accessible platform offers expansive views of the large pond in the Gude Garden. Stone walls made from local Carderock boulders level the steep slope along the water’s edge. The terrace is constructed from reclaimed granite and Carderock stones, while the viewing platform features Ipe wood for both the railing and decking.
The Gude Garden is located south of the Brookside Gardens’ Visitor Center. The six-acre landscape was created in 1972. The rolling hills feature a collection of flowering cherry and Japanese maple trees and complement the large ponds, which are home to turtles, toads, fish, and blue herons.
In addition to the new viewing platform, Brookside Gardens offers accessible parking, entrances, pathways, restrooms, and adaptive equipment to encourage people of all abilities to visit and enjoy the gardens. Service animals are welcome, but pets are not allowed.
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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