Project Description
The primary purpose of this project is to renovate the existing playground and provide accessibility and stormwater management updates. Other proposed improvements, dependent upon future funding, will include repurposing the existing courts, reconfiguring the parking lot, and adding new site furniture throughout the park.
Background
Greenwood Local Park is located at 18700 Georgia Avenue in Olney. The park was developed in the 1970s and existing amenities include a playground, two tennis courts, a handball court, two full basketball courts, and a gazebo. The playground was last replaced in 1990 and the tennis and basketball courts were last renovated in 2001. A multipurpose field is located along the north side of the park and overlaps the school property. Paths located within the park do not meet current ADA accessibility guidelines.
Status/Project Update
A community meeting was held in Winter 2022 in conjunction with an Open Town Hall survey to gather preliminary input on the amenities the community would like to see in the park. Based on community input, a concept was developed for the park and posted to the webpage in Spring 2023 with an additional Open Town Hall survey. Links to community meeting notes, presentations and survey results are available below. The concept was refined based on community input and Park staff recommendations and the detailed design and permitting process was begun in the Summer of 2023.
As of fall 2024, the project is at the 60% design stage. Amenities shown include the basketball court and tennis court with hitting wall in the southern portion of the site. A small seating area is located adjacent to the basketball court. Three pickleball courts are shown in the northern area of the site with benches and a small shade structure along the southern edge of the courts. Micro-bioretention areas with plantings are shown to the east of the tennis court and to the north of the pickleball courts.
A picnic/ nature play area is shown along the west edge of the property, in the place of the former playground. Parking lot improvements are proposed with additional parking spaces. The new playground is shown along the north side of the parking lot as well as a new picnic pavilion. A low seat wall is shown around the new playground. A micro-bioretention area with plantings is located between the playground and picnic pavilion. The proposed waterless toilet is proposed just south of the picnic pavilion. A new drinking fountain and bike rack is located just south of the playground.
Proposed paths and paths that will be renovated are indicated on the concept plan and connect all amenities within the park. Proposed decorative paving areas are indicated around the new picnic pavilion and seating area near the basketball court. One tree over 24” is shown as being removed just to the west of the proposed playground.
Calendar and Meeting Notes
| Date | Discussion/Meeting Notes |
|---|---|
| Winter 2022 | Virtual Community Meeting |
| Winter/ Spring 2023 | Community meeting and survey results. Develop design concept based on existing conditions assessment and community input. |
| Spring 2023 | Post concept for community review and comments |
| Begin Summer 2023 | Finalize design and obtain permits |
| Fall 2024 | 60% design concept posted |
| *2025 | Expected construction to begin |
*Dates and times subject to change. Please contact the project manager for updates.