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 was completed in Winter 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
Detailed design is underway for the playground renovation project. Please see below for a description of how Montgomery Parks incorporated community feedback into the revised design. Please continue to check this project website for future updates.
Playground Design
The concept design seeks to address several comments received during and after 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 larger, challenging, engaging and offers a diverse play experience.
- Reducing the size of the rope net climber and spinning twister to make space for additional swings
The play equipment enhances physical, sensory, social, and emotional development. The 2-5 structure offers play opportunities for climbing, balancing, imagination, crawling, jumping, and sliding. The two-tiered 5-12 climber structure includes a 4’ double slide, 8’ curved slide, a treehouse environment and imagination play opportunities. The see-saw and the scooter carousel replace the larger net twister that was previously proposed; these new pieces still offer rocking, springing, and spinning play but require a smaller area. This substitution helps to create the needed space for a larger swing set – a big community priority. The new swing set now includes (1) 2-5 tot basket, (1) 2-12 inclusive swing, and (2) 5-12 belt swings; the previous concept only included the tot basket and inclusive swing. The net climber was relocated to the lower area, which makes space for the swings and offers overlook views into the rest of the park. The mixture of ropes on the net climber provide climbing, crawling, bouncing, swinging, and balancing activities.
The new play area and equipment includes several other notable features. The enlarged 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 transfer stations are provided so children of all ages and abilities are offered comfortable access. A communication board is also included. Equipment colors are greens, tans and browns in accordance with the community’s preferences expressed in the community survey. Materials include boulders, steps, seat walls, 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 and times are subject to change. Please contact the Project Manager for the latest update.
| 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 – Winter 2024 | Concept Plan Development – view the 3D playground equipment renderings |
| Spring 2025 | Additional Concept Design Refinements per community input – view the latest 3D renderings |
| Spring 2025 – Fall 2025 (anticipated) | Detailed Design and Construction Documents |
| Fall/Winter 2025 (anticipated) | Construction is expected to begin |