SILVER SPRING, MD—July is national Park and Recreation Month and to celebrate the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Montgomery County Department of Parks wants to know: What are parks “all about” for you?
“We do know our parks matter a great deal to the communities they serve,” said Department of Parks Director Mary Bradford. “For gardeners, our parks offer community gardening locations; ice skaters are passionate about our two ice rinks; nature lovers enjoy the open space in parks—and everyone tells us how much their property values and a sense of community are enhanced by being near neighborhood parks. But there is always so much more to experience.”
Montgomery Parks has created four themed “It’s All About” weeks to organize your Park and Recreation Month celebration this July:
Week 1: “It’s All About” History
- Visit Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park this Park and Recreation month, open every second and fourth Saturday through November 5, from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm for FREE guided tours. www.HistoryInTheParks.org
- Every Saturday this July, take the FREE guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. www.HistoryInTheParks.org
Week 2: “It’s All About” Water, Water, Everywhere
- Rent rowboats, canoes or kayaks and enjoy boating on Little Seneca Lake at Black Hill Regional Park. Also, catch night fishing at Black Hill, July 13. www.BlackHillBoats.com
- The coolest place in summer is on the ice at Cabin John Ice Rink or Wheaton Ice Arena. Take a spin! www.CabinJohnIce.com or www.WheatonIceArena.com
- The South Germantown Splash Playground is open daily in July from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Grab the kids and go. www.SplashandGolf.com
Week 3: “It’s All About” Nature
- Experience the Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit at Brookside Gardens. It’s open daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. www.BrooksideGardens.org
- From flying squirrels to nature sketching to twilight treks to movies by the fire, there’s something for every nature lover offered through Montgomery Parks’ four nature centers: Black Hill Visitor Center, Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center and Meadowside Nature Center. Sign-up for a class or program. www.ParkPASS.org
- Hikers, bikers, equestrians explore more than 200 miles of trails in Montgomery Parks. Also, join us Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon as we celebrate the grand opening of the new Rock Creek Trail Pedestrian Bridge. www.MontgomeryTrails.org
Week 4: “It’s All About” Community
- Volunteer in the parks. There are year-round opportunities for groups and individuals. www.ParksVolunteers.org
- Host a get-together with your friends or family at one of our park activity buildings or picnic shelters. www.ParkPermits.org
For more ways to celebrate Park and Recreation Month, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
Also, share what the parks are “all about” for you on www.facebook.com/MontgomeryParks and follow Montgomery Parks on Twitter, http://twitter.com/MontgomeryParks, for updates and ideas all month long.
“No matter what the parks are all about for you,” added Bradford, “they belong to each of us –tell us about your favorites and ask your questions. It’s all right here in Montgomery Parks!”
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Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866