Jesup Blair Park – Facility Plan

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Project Description 

This facility plan project seeks to identify and locate the best possible uses of Jesup Blair Park. The end goal of the process is to plan an inspiring and engaging “park for all” – including spaces for relaxation, enjoyment of nature, social connection, and active recreation. Objectives also include year-round activating uses for a diversity of populations, generations, interests, and abilities; improving connectivity and accessibility; employing sustainable strategies; protecting tree canopy, and; complementing the historic cultural landscape. Community meetings will inform future programming and amenities in the park. The facility plan process will also identify the estimated construction budget and permitting feasibility. A detailed design phase will occur after the Facility Plan process concludes.

Background 

At approximately fifteen acres, Jesup Blair Park is the largest park in downtown Silver Spring. The park is located at 900 Jesup Blair Drive and nearly abuts Washington D.C.’s northeastern boundary. It is surrounded by Georgia Avenue, Blair Road, Jesup Blair Drive, and WMATA/CSX railroad. Adjacent land uses include multi-family residential, commercial, and institutional (Montgomery College Silver Spring/Takoma Park campus). See the “Location Map” for more information.

The rich history of the site includes bearing witness to events of the Underground Railroad, familial connections to the cabinet of President Abraham Lincoln and much more. The circa 1850 Moorings house is located in the core of the park – it is the only remaining Silver Spring residence of the Blair family. The Blair family bequeathed the house and property to the state of Maryland in 1933; in 1939, they were transferred to M-NCPPC. The house, and the entire property, are included on the Montgomery County Masterplan for Historic Preservation.

Existing amenities include, but are not limited to, walkways, public art, parking, a soccer field, a playground, open lawn and picnic areas, tennis, basketball, lighting, interpretive signage, and hundreds of canopy and understory trees. See the “Existing Amenities” map for more information. 

The development of the Facility Plan will be guided by the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan (SSDAC). The SSDAC included robust community outreach and specific recommendations for Jesup Blair Park. It was approved by the Montgomery County Council and M-NCPPC Planning Board in 2022. See the Sector Plan concept for more information; this concept will be used as a starting point for the Facility Plan community outreach discussions and Facility Plan process.  

Status/Project Update 

The Facility Plan process is in the Project Initiation phase. Please continue to check in for future updates.  

Links to information, meeting details, and presentations will be included beside each applicable calendar event as it is scheduled and completed. 

*Dates and Events subject to change 

M-NCPPC Staff Contact 

Matt Weir, RLA, ISA
Landscape Architect / Project Manager 
Matthew.Weir@montgomeryparks.org
(301) 495-2505