SILVER SPRING, MD—Today, the Montgomery County Planning Board unanimously approved renaming the Leland Community Center in Chevy Chase as the Jane Lawton Community Center in honor of the late Honorable Delegate Jane Lawton.
“It is my honor to recommend the renaming of the Leland Community Center in honor of the late Delegate Jane Lawton,” said Director of Parks Mary Bradford, during today’s meeting. “Jane was completely committed to her community and the people Montgomery County serves.”
Mayor of the Town of Chevy Chase Kathy Strom, who attended today’s Board meeting to speak in support of the renaming, requested the name change in August 2008. Lawton’s family members and Montgomery County Recreation Department Director Gabe Albornoz also spoke during today’s meeting in support of the renaming. The Planning Board received additional letters of support endorsed by each member of the Montgomery County Council and from United States Congressman Chris Van Hollen.
The Leland Community Center is located at 4301 Willow Lane within Leland Neighborhood Park in Chevy Chase. The Montgomery County Department of Parks manages the park, and the Montgomery County Recreation Department operates the center. Under an arrangement dating back to 1986, the Town of Chevy Chase and Montgomery County joined in the design and building of the Leland Community Center within the park. Jane Lawton was a driving force behind the creation of the Community Center, as noted by several witnesses at today’s public hearing.
“We have a renaming policy for park facilities,” added Bradford. “Jane Lawton’s exemplary contributions to the citizens of the State of Maryland and of Montgomery County certainly comply with our criterion for renaming facilities in parks for ‘persons of outstanding civic service to the county’.” The name of Leland Neighborhood Park itself will remain unchanged.
Building signage will be changed to mark the new name of the center. The Department of Parks will work with the Town of Chevy Chase, County Executive’s Office, County Council, Recreation Department and others to celebrate this name change and make these improvements.
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Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866