Northwest Branch Recreational Park Master Plan
Park Planning Staff has begun authoring a draft concept plan for this future recreation park. You can provide input on this project by taking our online survey.
Please e-mail Tanya.Schmieler@montgomeryparks.org or call 301-650-4392 to join our email list or if you have any questions.
Purpose of the Plan
A master plan is needed at this time to provide a future vision and sketch plan for the undeveloped areas of Northwest Branch Recreational Park.
The Plan will be coordinated with many current proposals in and near the park including the Trolley Museum relocation, a new cellular tower, ICC construction, the Rachel Carson Greenway and other trail connections, Llewellyn Fields Athletic Area, and other requests for facilities.
The major focus of the master plan will be to develop a concept plan for a family recreation area north of Bonifant Road that will complement the Trolley Museum facilities, and preserve many areas for nature study and wildlife habitat. The Rachel Carson Greenway Trail will connect the park to Llewellyn Fields Athletic area on the Northern edge of the park, and a connection to the ICC trail will be studied.
The portion of Northwest Branch Recreational Park north of Bonifant Road has been envisioned in Park, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plans for many years as a future recreation area. The 2001 PROS Implementation Plan states that “a family picnic/playground area is envisioned to complement the trolley museum”. Families could come and visit the museum, ride the trolley, and use the future playground and picnic area.
The Park Today
Northwest Branch Recreational Park is located in eastern Montgomery County, north of Wheaton on the east side of Layhill Road. The Park is composed primarily of gently rolling fields and a portion of the Northwest Branch Stream Valley. Northwest Branch Golf Course in included in the Park boundaries which are also adjacent to Layhill Local Park.
Development Status
Northwest Branch Recreational Park consists of 680 acres of existing parkland which includes the Northwest Branch Golf Course and is adjacent to Layhill Local Park. Partially developed, the existing facilities include: trolley museum (which is being relocated) and the Northwest Branch Golf Course that is now operated by the Revenue Authority.
Proposals for the Future
Have your voice heard! Take our on-line survey to give us your ideas for this park.
Proposed Vision
The portion of Northwest Branch Recreational Park north of Bonifant Road has been envisioned in Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plans for many years as a future recreation area. The 2001 Park Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Implementation Plan states that “a family picnic/playground area is envisioned to complement the trolley museum”. Families could come and visit the museum, ride the trolley, and use the future playground and picnic area. The undeveloped portions of this park should be reserved to serve future County-wide active recreation needs. The interior stream valley portions of this park should be preserved. A Family Picnic/Playground Area is envisioned to complement trolley museum.
Possible Facilities Considered for the Park
- Trolley Museum expansion and Historic Transportation Area
- Group Picnic Area with Adventure Playground
- Trails, including the Rachel Carson Greenway Trail
- Improvements to the Northwest Branch Golf Course proposed by the Revenue Authority.
- A Verizon cellular tower is also proposed and Llewellyn fields athletic area.
- Environmental Preservation and Interpretive Areas
- Bicycle Skills Area
- Dog Park
Meeting Calendar & Notes
Hot links to review Meeting Notes and Planning Board memos will be attached to each calendar event as it is completed.
NOTE: Please keep checking this calendar as community meetings will be added to the schedule.
Date | Time |
Meeting Notes | Planning Stage | Topic for Discussion | Location | Description |
2007 |
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Fall |
Begin environmental analysis of Park. |
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November |
Form Parks Staff team.
Meet on Trolley and Cell Tower Design Plans. |
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2008 |
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Winter |
Develop plan objectives and issues. |
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February 7th 7pm |
Notes from this meeting | Park Issues Meeting with Community. |
Good Hope Recreation Center - 14715 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905 |
Ongoing |
We need your input! Take the survey. | Take our Online Survey to collect public input on facilities and features in NW Branch Rec. Park | |
Spring |
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| May 22 |
staff memorandum (.PDF, 2.3MB) which is also located in the Planning Board archives for that date - item #12 | M-NCPPC Planning Board Report on Issues, Outreach and Work Program. |
M-NCPPC Planning Board - 8787 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 |
Summer |
Prepare draft plan concept with community input. |
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Fall |
Staff Draft recommendations finalized. |
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Wednesday November 19th |
Notes from this meeting | Public Meeting to gather input on the draft concept plan for the Park. | Stonegate Elementary School, 14811 Notley Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905 |
2009 |
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Spring |
Staff Draft presented to Board and Public Hearing scheduled. | ||
| Planning Board Public Hearing |
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Summer |
Planning Board work session(s) |
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Plan Adoption |
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Media Center
Press Releases
- MEDIA ADVISORY: Department of Parks Invites Ideas on Future of Northwest Branch Recreational Park During Public Meeting (February 7, 2008)
Public Input Needed
Northwest Branch Recreational Park Survey
Be a part of the decision-making process to decide which facilities and features in this park are most important to the public. Take our online survey. This survey is an ongoing process. If you would like a paper copy sent to you through US mail, please contact:
- Tanya Schmieler, Project Leader - Tanya.Schmieler@mncppc-mc.org - 301-650-4392
back to top - Last update: September 30, 2011
Montgomery County Department of Parks