Project Description
This project will replace the existing playground with a new playground layout and new playground equipment. The new playground is expected to measure 3,500 to 5,000 square feet. Playground renovation projects typically include new play equipment (e.g., swings, play structures, and freestanding pieces tailored to 2-5 and 5-12 age groups), stormwater management, site furnishings, site access improvements and other associated upgrades.
Note: The basketball court and tennis court renovation project are expected to be completed by mid-November 2024.
Background
Merrimac Neighborhood Park is located at 6415 Winston Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20817. The approximately 3,000 square foot playground is at the highest elevation in the park and provides pleasant views into courts, open lawn, and forested areas. However, the playground’s steep slopes cause drainage challenges, maintenance needs and access constraints. The playground and its four components (arch climber, 2-5 climber, freestanding slide, pair of swings) are due for replacement.
In addition to the playground, this popular neighborhood park includes two tennis courts, a basketball court, a multipurpose field, 18-space parking lot and extensive forest and tree canopy. Paved walkways and natural surface trails connect the park to the surrounding Bannockburn, Merrimack, and Goldsboro neighborhoods.
Status/Project Update
The playground renovation project process is underway; community outreach began in spring 2024. Montgomery Parks is encouraging interested residents to participate! Please see below for more information and continue to check this project website for future updates.
Playground Design
The concept design seeks to address several comments received during the community meeting, including:
- Adding measures to reduce vehicle speeds along the entry drive (striping, signage and a speed bump/speed table);
- Improving pedestrian access to/from and within the playground and other areas of the park, and adding a separate connection to Winston Drive;
- Preserving tree buffer, maintaining shade, planting new trees;
- Incorporating caretaker seating and other site furnishings such as picnic tables and bike racks;
- Separating the play area from the entry road with fencing on parts of the playground;
- Adding a variety of play equipment that is modern, larger, challenging, engaging and offers a diverse play experience.
A variety of modern play equipment is proposed. The 2-5 structure offers play opportunities for climbing, balancing, imagination, crawling, jumping, and sliding. A 2-5 basket swing and inclusive swing are also included and provide an overlook view to the rest of the park. The two-tiered 5-12 climber structure includes a 4’ double slide, 8’ curved slide, a belt swing, a treehouse environment and imagination play opportunities. The spinning twister has a rigid floor, hand grips, and wide net openings for inclusive play. The hemispherical Explorer Dome offers a network of ropes, bridges, and wobble play elements for a variety of climbing, crawling, bouncing, swinging, and balancing activities. The new enlarged playground offers physical, sensory, social, and emotional development. It offers a safe play space with equipment that is spacious enough to accommodate several children at once. The new playground includes an upper terrace and lower terrace that are separated by a short seat wall. This two-level design increases play value and blends the proposed improvements into the existing steep topography.
Accessible play features and several transfer stations are provided so children of all ages and abilities are offered comfortable access. A communication board is also proposed. Equipment colors are greens, tans and browns in accordance with the community’s preferences expressed in the community survey. Materials include boulders, steps, timber edging, and engineered wood fiber surfacing. A small nature space is included, offset from the main playground and surrounded with log edging.
Please note that the background and foreground graphics shown in the renderings (trees, lawn, walls, etc.) are for illustrative purposes only – they do not reflect the actual design of the surrounding park.
Calendar and Meeting Notes
| Dates | Notes and Project Resources |
|---|---|
| Winter 2023 – 2024 | Project Initiation, including site analysis, topographic survey, preliminary review |
| March 20, 2024 | View March 20 Community Meeting Recording View the meeting notes (accessible pdf) |
| March 20 – April 21, 2024 | Open Town Hall survey results |
| Summer 2024 | Concept Plan Development – view the 3D playground equipment renderings |
| Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 (anticipated) | Detailed Design and Construction Documents |
| Summer 2025 (anticipated) | Construction expected to begin |
*Dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the Project Manager for the latest update.