South Silver Spring Urban Park

Division:

Background and Vision

In late 2021 M-NCPPC purchased this property (formerly National Tire and Battery) situated on one acre in downtown Silver Spring with the intent of demolishing the building and constructing the first phase of an active, urban recreational park.

The park is in the South Silver Spring District – a large district with a great diversity of housing types, commercial and educational uses, and public spaces. The rail tracks separate this district from the rest of downtown making the South Silver Spring Urban Park a critical walk-to public space for the community in this district. The plan’s recommendations incorporated feedback from over 500 stakeholders who live, work or play in the Silver Spring downtown. It recommended the acquisition of this property for the creation of both a public park and a through-block connection between East-West Highway and Kennett Street.

The vision for this park is an active recreation space that will complement the historic and contemplative setting of Acorn Urban Park. Montgomery Parks developed an initial concept sketch/test fit for the park that was presented on the parks’ online Open Town Hall forum and at an in-person public event to receive feedback from the community. Following the public outreach in the fall of 2022, parks incorporated much of the public input to create the final concept plan for the park.

The proposed South Silver Spring Park will have multiple spaces for active recreation including a multipurpose court and exercise area; spaces for games (ping pong, corn hole, bocce), a playground with a nature play area, dog runs for large and small dogs, picnic areas and lawn space and a community plaza and terrace. The park also offers a direct connection to the future Green Loop – connecting major public spaces among the different districts within this area.

(Click to enlarge image)

Status/Project Update

Date/Time	Project Schedule
Winter 2021	Property Acquired
Spring/Summer 2022	Park Concept Planning and Public Outreach
Spring 2023	Demolition
Fall 2024	Park Construction/Opening

M-NCPPC Staff Contact
David Tobin, Project Manager
Email David Tobin
(301) 495-2478

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What is the South Silver Spring Park Project?

Situated on one acre in downtown Silver Spring the first phase of the proposed South Silver Spring Park will consist of multiple spaces for:

Active recreation such as multipurpose court (basketball, soccer, volleyball, other) and exercise area.

Play such as games (ping pong, corn hole, bocce), playground, and nature play area.

Social interaction such as a community plaza and terrace.
How did this project come about?

The Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan, which incorporated feedback from over 500 stakeholders who live, work, or play in the Silver Spring downtown, recommended this park to serve as both a park and a through-block connection between East-West Highway and Kennett Street.
Why are you locating a park on this piece of land?

The location of this park was a recommendation from the 2010 Silver Spring CBD Green Space Design Guidelines, the 2018 Energized Public Spaces Plan and the recently Council-approved 2022 Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan. One of the sites became available to purchase in late 2021 and serves as both a park and a through-block connection between East-West Highway and Kennett Street.
What role will this park play in the community?

The park will add an active recreation space that will serve a neighborhood need and complement the historic and contemplative setting of Acorn Park. The park will also offer a direct connection to the proposed Green Loop – connecting major public spaces among the different districts within this area.
Will there be parking at the park?

No parking will be available at the park but there is public parking on Kennett Street and nearby.
Will the community have an opportunity to submit suggestions for what they would like to be included in the park?

Yes, a web-based Open Town Hall survey is available to all and will help inform the amenities to be included in the park.
Will a dog park be considered for this park?

A dog run is one of the optional amenities included in the survey.
What is the timeline for the park’s development and construction?

Planning and public outreach will take place in the coming months with the demolition of the existing building late in 2022. Park construction and opening is expected to take place in 2023.