Project Description
This project will transform the historic, low-lift pumping station at Burnt Mills East Special Park into a museum honoring the life and legacy of Rachel Carson, a renowned writer, biologist, and Silver Spring resident. Led by the local nonprofit Springsong Museum in collaboration with Montgomery Parks, the adaptive reuse of this site includes a carefully designed building addition and landscaping improvements.The historic site was part of the Robert B. Morse Water Filtration Facility operated by WSSC from 1936 to 1962.
The museum will foster a connection to the natural world, reflecting Carson’s enduring message of environmental stewardship. In addition to revitalizing an underused historic structure, this project will create an engaging destination where the community can explore Carson’s contributions and the importance of protecting our natural resources.
Background
The approximately 2.7-acre park is surrounded by established residential neighborhoods including Burnt Mills, Woodmoor, and North Four Corners, and is adjacent to nearby commercial retail development. The park’s trailhead is a jumping-off point for Montgomery Parks-maintained trails that run through the eastern portion of the property and are part of the 21-mile Northwest Branch Trail.
Status/Project Update
Springsong Museum introduced its concept plan to Montgomery Parks in 2021. The plan was reviewed and thoughtfully refined through the Parks Concept Review process and was approved in the fall of 2024.
With this milestone achieved, the project will move forward into the next phases of review through the Park Construction Permit process and the Partnership Review processes. These steps will ensure that the project is economically feasible, will benefit the community, and will carefully preserve the historic elements of the site.
Calendar and Meeting Notes
| Date/Time | Discussion and Meeting Notes |
|---|---|
| May 2022 | Preliminary proposal submitted to Montgomery Parks by nonprofit organization Springsong Museum |
| Summer 2022 – Fall 2024 | Montgomery Parks concept review process |
| December 5, 2024 | Montgomery Parks presents the initial conceptual plan to the Planning Board |
| December 17, 2024 | Preliminary consultation with the Historic Preservation Commission |
| 2025 – 2026 | Park construction permit process, Planning Board approval |
| 2027 | Anticipated construction start |
*Dates subject to change. Please contact the project manager for the most recent updates.