Project Overview
Woodside Urban Park, a 2.3-acre green space at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Spring Street, is a key entry point to downtown Silver Spring. Originally developed in the 1970s, and expanded in 1984, the park offers a range of amenities including playgrounds, a skate spot, sports courts, seating areas, and a decorative fountain. The park serves a diverse community of park visitors and provides important opportunities for play, active recreation, social gathering, and contemplative experiences in a wooded setting.
A 2011 facility plan to redesign the park was delayed during the 2019 – 2024 fiscal year Capital Improvements Program. Following that the project was suspended, and the budget was reduced, and the scope of the project was revised.
Montgomery Parks is now restarting the effort with a park renovation project to update aging infrastructure, meet current codes, and enhance recreational spaces, while preserving valued elements, such as mature trees.
Project Background:
The 2.34-acre park was designed in the early 1970s and is one of the three major urban parks in the North and West Silver Spring master planning area. The adjacent Silver Spring Community Service Center (formerly Woodside Elementary School) was conveyed to the county from Montgomery County Public Schools with the approval of the Montgomery County Planning Board in 1984. The park was expanded to include a gym building, basketball court, and playground. The existing park includes a decorative fountain, seating areas with trellis structures, playground areas, lighting, picnic areas, a skate spot, a basketball court, and a handball court.
Status/Project Update
On April 10, 2024, park staff presented the updated concept plan to the Woodside Civic Association. Park staff is currently refining the recommended plan for the improvements to Woodside Urban Park and preparing to present an Amended Facility Plan to the Planning Board in the summer of 2025. Prior to the presentation to the Planning Board, parks staff will reach out to the community with more information.
Recommended Plan
The updated plan for Woodside Urban Park introduces a flexible lawn and plaza with a large picnic pavilion and stage for community events, along with a prominent public art piece at the main entrance.
Key improvements include:
- Simplified, accessible pathways
- Enhanced park lighting, especially at sports courts
- Upgraded stormwater management infrastructure
- Preservation of most existing trees and current playgrounds
Additional features include:
- New picnic pavilion near the playground
- Deck with bench swings
- Central multi-sport court with kick wall
- Resurfaced and improved tennis and basketball courts (for better play and viewing)
Calendar and Meeting Notes
*Dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the Project Manager for the latest update.
| Project Timeline | Project Stage and Resources |
|---|---|
| Fall-Winter 2009 | Facility Planning begins, Pre-design project preparation, survey, data collection, site reconnaissance, design research |
| May 2010 | Procurement of multi-disciplinary consultant |
| May 17, 2010 | Community Meeting Minutes #1 (accessible pdf) |
| Summer 2010 | Schematic Design, develop a program of requirements and concept alternatives |
| December 2010 | Community Meeting #2 Review and discuss concept alternatives |
| Winter 2010-Spring 2011 | Design Development, develop a preferred concept |
| Spring 2011 | Final Design, refine the preferred plan, obtain preliminary permits, develop a cost estimate |
| July 25, 2011 | Community Meeting #3 |
| October 6, 2011 | Facility plan approved Facility Plan |
| Spring 2015 | Detail design began |
| Winter 2016 | Construction documents completed |
| April 9, 2016 | Community Meeting #4 To review the final design and status of the project Meeting Background Design 75% complete |
| Fall 2018 | Project on hold |
| Winter/Spring 2021 | Facility Plan Amendment Begins Concept redesign |
| June 8, 2021 | Community Meeting June 8, 2021 Video View the meeting presentation slides (accesible pdf) |
| Summer 2021 – Fall 2024 | Concept design and preliminary permitting |
| April 10, 2024 | Woodside Civic Association Meeting presentation of updated concept plan. |
| Summer 2025 (anticipated) | Facility plan amendment presentation to Montgomery County Planning Board for approval |
| Fall 2025 – Fall 2026 (anticipated) | Detail design and permitting |
| 2027 (anticipated) | Construction begins |