This park features a playground and a playfield, and you can rent the open shelter in the picnic area. M-NCPPC acquired the 15-acre park in several stages from the mid-1990s to 1980.
History: Pride in the Parks
In the early 1990s, the county’s first Pride events were held in local parks, including at Valley Mill in 1995. These gatherings gave the county’s LGBTQ+ population a welcoming place close to home to celebrate together. The events were also a time to recognize recent successes from local activists and to learn about community groups. Learn more on our page about LGTBQ+ history.
Valley Mill Group Picnic Area
Valley Mill Group Picnic Area is located on the stretch of Randolph Road that runs between New Hampshire Avenue and Colesville Road (Route 29).
To reserve a shelter, create an online account through ActiveMontgomery
Or you can call the Montgomery Parks Permit Office at 301-495-2525 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Facilities available
- One picnic shelter
- 15 picnic tables
- One large and two small grills
- Restrooms
- Open lawn area with a backstop
- One horseshoe pit
- Volleyball area
- Small playground
- 89 parking spaces
Rules
Please read the rules below before using our picnic area. Violations of these rules will result in the immediate revocation of Permit, the forfeiture of your entire security deposit, and an automatic minimum service charge of $50. Park Police will be monitoring the use of this park. Thank you for your cooperation.
- ONLY Beer and wine may be served and consumed. Beer must be dispensed from kegs or cans and wine must be served from 1 liter or larger containers in paper or plastic cups. Glass bottles are prohibited.
- Group size cannot exceed 100 people.
- No electrical outlets are available for this picnic area. Amplified sound, loud or excessive noise and live bands are not permitted.
- The pool is not a part of the Group Picnic Area and is currently not available for public use.
- Parking must be in the designated area for Valley Mill Group Picnic Area ONLY (not at Pilgram Hills, on the grass or on neighborhood streets). So we advise you to carpool.
- No posting of signs in the surrounding neighborhoods or community
Visit our Conditions of Use for a full list of Group Picnic Rules and Regulations