Media Center

Brookside Gardens to Hold Annual "Garden of Lights"

Garden of Lights: The Ultimate Magical Visual Experience
November 2005: 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
December 2005: 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,26,27,28,29,30
January 2006: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Hours: 5:30-9:00 p.m., last car admitted at 8:30 p.m.
Admission: $15 per car/minivan/van

 Bundle up for this outdoor winter walk that electrifies the landscape with more than 650,000 twinkling lights. The creative spirit of Brookside Gardens shines through in original artforms of colorful flowers, imaginative animals and sparkling fountain, all celebrating the holidays in a secular display. Stroll through a kaleidoscopic caterpillar, visit Nessie in the Perennial Garden, and listen to the sounds of thunder and lightning beneath a rainbow of color. Then take a break to warm your toes in the Visitors Center. Refreshments are available for purchase in the auditorium, where each evening local musicians perform. Do a bit of holiday shopping at our gift shop, Marylandica. Kids, parents, singles and seniors will have an evening to remember for ages to come.

For more information, please call the Garden of Lights Hotline at 301-962-1453 , or visit the Brookside Gardens website.

Public Comment Sought on Proposed Rental Fee Increases

SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Board invites the public to comment on proposed fee increases for a variety of park facilities and services, Monday, October 10 during its public meeting at 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring.

After a presentation by staff and the public testimony, the Board will deliberate and decide on possible increases for golf, ice skating, picnic shelters, train and carousel rides, nature center programs, renting Brookside Gardens for special events and reserving ball fields and recreation buildings and other charges.

Each year, the Board is obligated to review the fee structures for these facilities to keep pace with the rising costs of labor, energy and supplies.

The staff’s report will be available online beginning Friday, October 7. Those interested in signing up in advance to testify may call 301-495-4600.

Effective July 1, 2005, the Planning Board approved other fee increases for permitted uses of park facilities in Montgomery County Parks. For a complete listing of fees charged for permitted facilities, visit www.parkpermits.org. For more information, contact the Park Permit Office at 301-495-2525.

Park and Planning Commission Storm Water Management Project to Help Improve Health of Chesapeake Bay

SILVER SPRING — Officials at The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission announced today that a major maintenance project on an existing storm water management pond in Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park in Silver Spring, designed to improve environmental runoff into the Chesapeake Bay, will begin the week of October 3 and last eight to 12 weeks.

Located upstream of University Boulevard behind the Kemp Mill Shopping Center, the pond provides water quality and flood control benefits to the downstream sections of Sligo Creek.

Over time, the pond collects material generated from upstream erosion and ensures those materials do not end up in the Chesapeake Bay. The project will remove the collected sediments and modify the control systems to improve efficiency.

To protect trails around the surrounding area and maintain pedestrian access during construction, the contractor will install wood mulch paths and safety fencing along the existing hiker/biker trail between University Boulevard and the pond. Materials generated from the project will be used for leveling an open space within Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park to improve drainage and usability.

“Nearby residents and trail users will notice earth-moving equipment working within the pond and moving along the trail at various times over the next couple of months,” said project manager Andy Frank.

M-NCPPC’s award-winning 32,600-acre park system in Montgomery County includes 395 parks, 274 playgrounds, 305 tennis courts, 360 athletic fields, more than 200 miles of trails, four golf courses, two ice rinks, 133 picnic areas, nature and equestrian centers, lakes and marinas, recreation buildings and more.

Site of One of Montgomery County's Oldest Grist Mills to Receive Historic Marker

SILVER SPRING, MD — The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) invites the public to join Commissioner John Robinson and the historic preservation staff to dedicate a historic marker for the site of Davis Mill, one of Montgomery County’s oldest grist mills, Saturday, October 15 at 3 p.m.

A key part of the agricultural economy in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, grist mills ground wheat and corn into flour and meal for local farmers.

Located along the Seneca Greenway Trail at the intersection of Davis Mill and Huntmaster Roads in Goshen, Maryland, the historic site includes the foundation of the water-powered grist mill built in 1783.

Parking will be available near the site. In addition, hikers or walkers may also park on Wightman Road at the intersection with Brink Road and hike along the trail one mile to the site. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

M-NCPPC is erecting the historic plaque to mark the ruins of the water-powered grist mill, a business owned and operated by John Davis from1885 to 1901.

Volunteers from several groups recently gathered to clear the site and restore the mill foundations. These groups, including the Coalition for the Seneca Greenway, Goshen Historic Preservation Society, Goshen Civic Association, and the Goshen Mills Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will participate in the dedication ceremony.

A brochure on the history of the Davis Mill, prepared by the Goshen Historic Preservation Society, will be available at the ceremony.

For more information about the October 15 dedication, those interested may contact Susan Soderberg, 301-653-3405.

Deer Management Strategies Approved

SILVER SPRING, MD — To help reduce deer-related traffic accidents and other negative impacts in Montgomery County, an interagency working group program has recommended a variety of non-lethal and lethal strategies including new deer population management initiatives on public land.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission staff is announcing plans to expand its deer management strategies to include managed hunts in the Dry Seneca Stream Valley Park in Poolesville, portions of the Great Seneca Stream Valley Park and North Germantown Greenway Park in Goshen, Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park and Serpentine Barrens Conservation Park in Darnestown, and sharpshooting in Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton. This decision comes from Acting Superintendent of Parks Gordon Rosenthal following review of public comment received and other information presented by the Department of Park and Planning’s wildlife staff.

New initiatives will include carefully managed shotgun hunts in which only hunters who meet the highest level of state and county safety standards are permitted to participate. Each managed hunting location in parks will be closed from sunrise until sunset on the day that hunting occurs (see schedule below). Appropriate park closure notices will be posted throughout the park.

During the fall and winter, managed deer hunts will occur in the following parks:

Blockhouse Point Conservation Park, Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park (Turkey Foot Rd. south to Esworthy Rd.), and Serpentine Barrens Conservation Park in Darnestown
Managed shotgun hunting: Tuesdays—November 8, 22 and December 13.

Bucklodge Forest Conservation Park in Barnesville
Managed shotgun hunting: October 27, November 5, December 1 and 22, and January 12, 14 and 21.

Dry Seneca Stream Valley Park in Poolesville
Managed shotgun hunting: November 5 and 19, December 1 and 22, and January 12 and 21.

The undeveloped Goshen Recreational Park in Goshen
Year round firearms (archery during season)- Monday through Saturday

Great Seneca Stream Valley Park and North Germantown Greenway Park in Goshen
Managed shotgun hunting: Wednesdays—November 9, 23 and December 14.

Hoyles Mill Conservation Park and Little Seneca Stream Valley Park in Boyds
Managed shotgun hunting: October 13 and 20, November 12 and 17, December 3 and 10, and January 7, 19 and 26.

Little Bennett Regional Park in Clarksburg
Managed shotgun hunting: December 6-9.

Rachel Carson Conservation Park in Brookeville
Managed shotgun hunting: Mondays—November 7, 21 and December 12.

Woodstock Equestrian Park in Beallsville
Managed shotgun hunting: October 15, 22, November 3, 10, 19, December 8 and January 6, 14 and 21.

For Park Police sharpshooting operations, conducted by expertly trained officers, each of the following parks will be closed to the public from 5:30 p.m. until sunrise January 1 through March 31, 2006. Appropriate park closure notices will be posted throughout these parks:

• Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood
• Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds
• North Branch Stream Valley Park in Derwood
• Northwest Branch Park in Aspen Hill
• Rock Creek Regional Park in Rockville
• Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton.

For more information, visit our Deer Management pages on our web site or call the Commission’s deer information hotline at 301-495-3585.

Chairman to Hold Press Conference on New Local Park Pilot Program; Exhibition Soccer Game Also Scheduled

SILVER SPRING, MD — Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Chairman Derick Berlage will hold a press conference at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28 at Old Blair Field in Silver Spring to highlight a new local park pilot program designed to provide adequate trash cans, signage and restroom facilities for users.

The pilot program, which includes 11 local parks in Silver Spring, Kensington and Chevy Chase, will have brightly colored trash cans, portable toilets, and bi-lingual signage displaying park rules and contacts for park police and the agency’s park permits office.

The Silver Spring parks included in the pilot are: Bullis Park; Dewey Park; Jesup-Blair Park; Long Branch-Wayne Park; Randolph Hills Park; Old Blair Field; and Winding Creek Park. The Chevy Chase parks are: Meadowbrook Park; Ray’s Meadow Park and Rosemary Hills Park. Capitol View Park in Kensington is also included.

WHO:
Park and Planning Commission Chairman Derick Berlage Montgomery County Council President Thomas Perez (invited) Soccer teams: Team Senegal and Marcelo Cardenas Soccer

WHAT:
Press conference and soccer game highlighting new pilot park program Exhibition soccer game

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 28
5:30 p.m. (soccer game begins at 6 p.m.)

WHERE:
Old Blair Field
Wayne Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway
Silver Spring, MD

Twinbrook Sector Plan Area Public Meeting Postponed

SILVER SPRING, MD — The Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning will reschedule a public community meeting originally set for September 26, at 7 p.m. to hear from residents on the draft Twinbrook Sector Plan.

The public will have an opportunity to comment when the Montgomery County Planning Board holds a hearing on the matter later this winter. Another public hearing will be scheduled after the Planning Board submits the plan to the County Council for its review and final approval.

Visit the Twinbrook Sector Plan page for more information.

National Ice Skating Champion Michael Weiss Featured at Cabin John Ice Exhibition

ROCKVILLE, MD — Three-time U.S. National Ice Skating Champion Michael Weiss leads the line-up of featured performers at the first annual Cabin John Ice Exhibition, Saturday, October 1, 5-10 p.m. at Cabin John Ice Rink in Rockville. In addition, 1998 World Junior Champion Derrick Delmore and 2004 Chinese Taipai National Champion Diane Chen will perform.

Michael Weiss, who is in training for the 2006 Olympic games in Torino, Italy, will be available the week of September 26-30 for media interviews. To arrange an interview, reporters can contact Marion Joyce, 301-495-4602.

Cabin John Ice Exhibition participants will have the opportunity to get tips from Michael Weiss and others in our special “Skate with the Stars” session, sign up for free lessons and try out new ice skating equipment. Admission is $5 and includes the exhibition, lessons and the 8-10 p.m. public skating session. Limited sign-ups are available at the door for free lessons and the “Skate with the Stars” session. An additional $3 fee will be charged to skate with the stars.

The schedule of events is as follows:

• 5-6 p.m. Free group lessons, sign ups for Skate with the Stars, try out new equipment
• 5:30-6:15 p.m. Meet the Stars, get autographs and sign up for lesson programs
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Skating exhibition featuring Michael Weiss, Diane Chen and Derrick Delmore
• 7:30-8 p.m. Skate with the Stars
• 8-10 p.m. Public Skating Session

Located at 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, the Cabin John Ice Rink features a NHL size rink, an Olympic size rink and a studio size rink, and offers sessions for all skating abilities and interests all year long. Classes and programs are available for recreational, freestyle, hockey and speed skaters. Also offered are a warming room, party rooms, a pro shop and a snack bar.

For more information on the ice exhibition, those interested may call Cabin John Ice Rink, 301-365-2246 or go online to www.cabinjohnice.com.

Stop Work Order Issued for Parts of Clarksburg Town Center

SILVER SPRING, MD — Officials at the Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning ordered developer Newland Communities to immediately stop work within portions of Clarksburg Town Center today based on evidence that the developer has likely violated additional aspects of the site plan approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board.

In a memo to agency director Charlie Loehr, Rose Krasnow, chief of the agency’s development review division, cited inconsistencies in signature sets and inconsistencies in record plats as reasons for issuing a stop work order. An agency inspector will visit the site tomorrow and post the stop work order notice.

Record plats are filed with the Circuit Court and delineate lot boundaries and lot sizes. The site plan for Clarksburg Town Center established a minimum lot size of 4,000 square feet for single-family detached homes. According to records, Newland filed plats for single-family detached homes with land areas as small as 3,640 square feet.

The developer and builders must submit a plan of compliance to the Montgomery County Planning Board. The Planning Board will ultimately decide what corrective actions the developer and builders must take before the stop work order is lifted.

Under the order, the developer and builders are prohibited from moving earth, removing trees, felling, clearing, paving and building. Only those activities required and authorized to correct violations or ordered by permitting agencies are allowed.

The order is in effect for three portions of Clarksburg Town Center including phase 2D; phase 1A-3; and parcel A block H within phase 2A.

Phase 2D is located between Sugarloaf Chapel Road, Burdette Forest Road, Grapevine Ridge Terrace and Catawba Hill Drive. Phase 1A-3 is located to the east of Clarksburg Square Road and north and south of Arness Point Road. Phase 2A (parcel A, block H) is located on the northwest corner of the Clarks Crossing Drive and Clarksburg Square Road intersection.

On July 7, the Planning Board unanimously ruled that the developer and five builders had violated the Planning Board-approved site plan by constructing numerous townhouses too tall and too close to the streets.

The Planning Board is currently scheduled to hold two additional hearings on matters related to Clarksburg violations on October 6 and October 27. The Planning Board is currently scheduled to hold a plan of compliance hearing on November 3.

Due to the quasi-judicial role of members of the Planning Board, they are prohibited from commenting on the matter - including chairman Derick Berlage.

Public Comment Sought on Future of Montgomery County Trails

SILVER SPRING, MD — The Montgomery County Planning Board seeks public comments on a two-year plan to maintain and expand trails throughout the county. Initial plans for the trails drafted by staff will be presented to the Planning Board during a work session on Thursday, September 29.

Pending approval from the Planning Board, staff intends to complete the Mathew Henson Hiker-Biker Trail in Aspen Hill; complete the renovation of the Black Hill Trail along the east side of Lake Seneca in Black Hill Regional Park; analyze the impact of equestrian use at Blockhouse Point Conservation Park in the Darnestown planning area; improve signs throughout the trail system and strengthen a trail volunteer program.

A full list of the projects included in the trail plan is available at www.montgomerytrails.org. Comments may be forwarded to the trail planning supervisor by email at [email protected] or by phone at 301-650-4391.

Those interested in testifying before the Planning Board on trail matters may sign up in advance by calling 301-495-4600.