Acorn Urban Park

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Division: Park Development

This project will renovate Acorn Urban Park, located at the intersection of East-West Highway and Newell Street in the Silver Spring Central Business District. The park contains significant historic resources, notably the original “Silver Spring” for which the town is named, and the acorn gazebo, which was part of the Blair plantation and moved to this location. The intent of the project is to rehabilitate the historic features and to improve and activate the park to better serve nearby communities.

Background

The approximately 0.3-acre park is surrounded by high density residential and commercial retail development. The northern 0.12-acre triangular parcel is owned by the M-NCPPC and the remaining area is owned by The Brick Companies addressed at 8045 Kennett Street at which Discovery Communications is occupied.  The M-NCPPC is responsible for maintaining the overall park.

Status/Project Update

• In May 2019, the Montgomery County Planning Board recommended that parks staff re-evaluate the facility plan for the renovation of Acorn Urban Park to reduce costs while focusing on the critical elements of the project that could be accommodated within the park’s existing constraints, which include limited space and the need to preserve historic resources. The Board also encouraged staff to pursue a park design that would incorporate the temporary or permanent closure of Newell Street. As part of the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan, which is currently underway, the Montgomery County Planning Department will work with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) to evaluate the potential for permanent modification or closure of Newell Street.  Decisions regarding the permanent renovation of the park are currently on hold.
• Summer 2020, MCDOT has temporarily closed Newell Street between Kennett Street and East-West Highway as part of the Shared Streets program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Montgomery Parks will partner with Montgomery County and the community to activate this additional space adjacent to the park.
• Fall 2020, Acorn Urban Park is part of the Picnic in the Park program to provide safe outdoor opportunities for social interaction while supporting local restaurants. For more information please visit Shared Streets and MoCo Eats.
• The Planning Board approved funding in 2021 to increase amenities in equity focus areas by creating social spaces where residents can gather.  Acorn Urban Park and Newell Street was one of the parks selected by the Board to add site furnishings to activate the space.  The new furnishings include a game table, a ping pong table, groups of picnic tables, benches, a bag tossing game, planters and street painting.  Work has been completed and will remain in place until such time as a decision is made by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation to re-open the street.

Calendar and Meeting Notes

Links to review meeting notes and presentations will be attached to each applicable calendar event as it is scheduled and completed.