Northwest Branch Recreational Park Master Plan

UPDATE: This plan is on hold due to work program constraints. If you would like additional information on this project, please contact the Park Planning and Stewardship Division.

Purpose of the Plan

A master plan is needed at this time to provide a future vision and sketch plan for the undeveloped areas of Northwest Branch Recreational Park.

The Plan will be coordinated with recent and proposed developments in and near the park including the Trolley Museum relocation, a new cellular tower, ICC construction, the Rachel Carson Greenway and other trail connections, Llewellyn Fields Athletic Area, and other requests for facilities.

The major focus of the master plan will be to develop a concept plan for a family recreation area north of Bonifant Road that will complement the Trolley Museum facilities, and preserve many areas for nature study and wildlife habitat. The Rachel Carson Greenway Trail will connect the park to Llewellyn Fields Athletic area on the Northern edge of the park, and a connection to the ICC trail will be studied.

The portion of Northwest Branch Recreational Park north of Bonifant Road has been envisioned in Park, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plans for many years as a future recreation area. The 2001 PROS Implementation Plan states that “a family picnic/playground area is envisioned to complement the trolley museum”. Families could come and visit the museum, ride the trolley, and use the future playground and picnic area.

The Park Today

Northwest Branch Recreational Park is located in eastern Montgomery County, north of Wheaton on the east side of Layhill Road. The Park is composed primarily of gently rolling fields and a portion of the Northwest Branch Stream Valley. Northwest Branch Golf Course in included in the Park boundaries which are also adjacent to Layhill Local Park.

Development Status
Northwest Branch Recreational Park consists of 680 acres of existing parkland which includes the Northwest Branch Golf Course and is adjacent to Layhill Local Park. Partially developed, the existing facilities include: trolley museum and the Northwest Branch Golf Course that is now operated by the Revenue Authority.

Proposed Vision
The portion of Northwest Branch Recreational Park north of Bonifant Road has been envisioned in Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plans for many years as a future recreation area. The 2001 Park Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Implementation Plan states that “a family picnic/playground area is envisioned to complement the trolley museum”. Families could come and visit the museum, ride the trolley, and use the future playground and picnic area. The undeveloped portions of this park should be reserved to serve future countywide active recreation needs. The interior stream valley portions of this park should be preserved. A Family Picnic/Playground Area is envisioned to complement trolley museum.

Possible Facilities Considered for the Park

• Trolley Museum expansion and Historic Transportation Area
• Group Picnic Area with Adventure Playground
• Trails, including the Rachel Carson Greenway Trail
• Improvements to the Northwest Branch Golf Course proposed by the Revenue Authority.
• Llewellyn fields athletic area.
• Environmental Preservation and Interpretive Areas
• Bicycle Skills Area
• Dog Park

Public Outreach

Please take our online survey. Be a part of the decision-making process to decide which facilities and features in this park are most important to the public.  This survey is an ongoing process.

Meeting Calendar & Notes

Hot links to review Meeting Notes and Planning Board memos will be attached to each calendar event as it is completed.
NOTE: Please keep checking this calendar as community meetings will be added to the schedule.

Media Center

Press Releases

• MEDIA ADVISORY: Department of Parks Invites Ideas on Future of Northwest Branch Recreational Park During Public Meeting (February 7, 2008)