Background and Vision
In late 2021 M-NCPPC purchased this property (formerly National Tire and Battery) situated on one acre in downtown Silver Spring with the intent of demolishing the building and constructing the first phase of an active, urban recreational park.
The park is in the South Silver Spring District – a large district with a great diversity of housing types, commercial and educational uses, and public spaces. The rail tracks separate this district from the rest of downtown making the South Silver Spring Urban Park a critical walk-to public space for the community in this district. The plan’s recommendations incorporated feedback from over 500 stakeholders who live, work or play in the Silver Spring downtown. It recommended the acquisition of this property for the creation of both a public park and a through-block connection between East-West Highway and Kennett Street.
The vision for this park is an active recreation space that will complement the historic and contemplative setting of Acorn Urban Park. Montgomery Parks developed an initial concept sketch/test fit for the park that was presented on the parks’ online Open Town Hall forum and at an in-person public event to receive feedback from the community. Following the public outreach in the fall of 2022, parks incorporated much of the public input to create the final concept plan for the park.
The proposed South Silver Spring Park will have multiple spaces for active recreation including a multipurpose court and exercise area; spaces for games (ping pong, corn hole, bocce), a playground with a nature play area, dog runs for large and small dogs, picnic areas and lawn space and a community plaza and terrace. The park also offers a direct connection to the future Green Loop – connecting major public spaces among the different districts within this area.
Calendar and Meeting Notes
| Date/Time | Project Schedule |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | Property Acquired |
| Spring / Summer 2022 | Park Concept Planning and Public Outreach |
| 2022 through Spring 2024 | Design and Permit |
| Fall 2023 thought Spring 2024 | Demolition |
| Summer 2024 | Start Construction |