Ending years of debate about the future of county-owned land in downtown Silver Spring envisioned as the community’s town square, the Montgomery County Planning Board Thursday approved a request from Montgomery County to build a build a public plaza, civic building and an ice skating rink covered with a pavilion.
The property, on 1.5 acres at Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive, used to house a parking garage, but it was demolished two years ago and replaced with temporary artificial turf intended to stabilize the property for the future development. Since then, the turf area has served as a popular informal social space in the rejuvenated downtown.
The proposed ice rink, in particular, has stirred great
interest from the community. Residents and visitors, many of whom testified at
Thursday’s hearing, split about whether the space should be green or paved, or
guided by programmed events such as concerts versus left as an open space. While some residents hoped to see the town
square stay green, the county’s architects told the Board that a grassed area
would not survive heavy use.
When
built, the town square will provide a public space for year-round
activities, anchored by the ice rink during the winter. For the rest of the
year, the rink would convert to a concrete base for other activities, from
concerts to art exhibits. The civic
center will provide space for government and community organizations.
The Board voted unanimously in favor of the project after four
hours of testimony and discussion. As part of its deliberations, Planning Board
members expressed hope that the design of the plaza and walkway would welcome
residents and visitors and continue to be a popular place to gather.