Johnson’s Local Park provides nearby residents with places to gather and play, including a picnic shelter, a playground, a softball field, and basketball courts.
History: The Center of Emory Grove
Johnson’s Park has a deep and significant history connected to the African American community of Emory Grove. Founded in 1864 by formerly enslaved people, Emory Grove became well-known regionally for religious camp meetings. Until the late 1960s, thousands of African American worshippers came every August for sermons, singing, food and fellowship.
Businessman Edward “Beans” Johnson bought the campgrounds in 1947 and added a dance pavilion and a premier ballpark with a grandstand and towering lights. At a time when racial segregation blocked African Americans from fair access to parks and recreation, Johnson’s Park was a hub of social and community life.
Learn more about the history of Johnson’s Park on the park’s history webpage.
Photo caption: Edward Johnson, The Washington Post, January 7, 1971 Courtesy Montgomery History
Park Features
- Basketball courts, (2)
- Football field
- Interpretive signs (3)
- Listening station (1)
- Picnic shelter with grill
- Playground
- Softball field
- Tennis courts, (2)
- Water fountain
Rent a Picnic Shelter at Johnson’s Local Park
Picnic shelter reservations are first-come, first-served and are available to rent from April 1 to October 31.
To reserve a shelter, create an online account through Active Montgomery
Or you can call the Montgomery Parks Permit Office at 301-495-2525 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.