Project Description
This project will renovate the Group Picnic Area at Valley Mill Special Park, located along East Randolph Road between New Hampshire Avenue and Colesville Road. The group picnic area is just north and up the hill of the main parking area in Valley Mill Special Park. The project intends to improve access and update the facilities within the group picnic area, including new restrooms, a larger playground, a new accessible parking lot with 10 spaces, and new picnic structures with a paved seating area.
Background
Valley Mill Special Park is a 15-acre park that was acquired by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) in several stages from 1980 to the mid 1990’s. The park includes a historic mill race and has two picnic shelters, a large parking lot and is a trail head to the Paint Branch Hiker-Biker Trail.
Group Picnic Area
The group picnic area includes a large picnic shelter, two grills, restroom building, playground, volleyball, athletic field, and a small parking area. The group picnic area is permitted through Montgomery Parks and is one of the most popular in the county. The facilities are in need of renovation and parking and walking paths do not meet current accessibility guidelines.
Status/Project Update
A concept plan was developed by parks staff for the group picnic area renovation along with a video describing the improvements. Additionally, we are seeking public comments on the plan through an Open Town Hall Survey. Questions or comments can also be emailed to the project manager or provided by phone. After community comments have been received, a recommended plan will be developed and posted on the website.
Calendar and Meeting Notes
| Date/Time | Discussion/Meeting Notes |
|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Project start |
| November 2024 | Conceptual Design, Video presentation, and Open Town Hall survey launched |
| Fall 2024 | Community input on conceptual design |
| Winter 2025 | Solicitation for multi-disciplinary A/E design services issued |
| Winter 2025 – Winter 2026 | Detail design, construction documentation, and final permitting phase |
| Spring 2026 (anticipated) | Start of construction |
*Dates are subject to change. Please contact the Project Manager for the most recent updates.