Public Project: Skate Park
Olney Manor Recreational Park
Click thumbnails for a larger view
Background and Description
The Olney Manor Skate Park adds a new and dynamic dimension to the Olney Manor Recreational Park, which was built in the late 1970s. In addition to the new skate park, Olney Manor Recreational Park features softball and baseball fields, an indoor swim center, playgrounds, and basketball, handball, volleyball, racquetball and tennis courts. The Department of Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), spearheaded the development of the new 14,000-square-foot skate park in response to community-driven support. A number of years ago, a student from Sherwood High School approached M-NCPPC about building a park for the County’s young people, specifically skateboard riders. Subsequent fundraising and lobbying by the Friends of the Olney Skate Park (FOOS) turned this student’s advocacy into reality. FOOS was able to secure private donations from the Carl Freeman Foundation, Carl Freeman Retail, Giant Food, Winchester Homes, Sandy Spring Bank, and Ruppert Nurseries as well as local residents to contribute to the cost of constructing the park. The first of its kind in Montgomery County’s 400+ park system, the skate park is operated by the Montgomery County Department of Recreation.
Quick Facts
- The skate park project was advertised for construction in March 2006.
- Construction on the skate park began in June 2006.
- Construction on the skate park was completed in December 2006.
- The skate park opened for its first day of business in January 2007.
- Total skate park construction cost was $750,000.
- The skate park is 90’ by 160’ and made of concrete.
- The skate park features a 10’ bowl and “street course” made up of quarter pipes, a hubba ledge, a pyramid, stairs, rails, and a fun box.
- The skate park includes a small picnic area, an office—which houses Recreation Department staff and rental equipment, including knee and elbow pads and helmets—and a vehicular drop-off area.
- The skate park is designed for patrons of all ages and skill levels.
Project Team
Project management, design and construction of the skate park was provided by: Ellen Masciocchi, Project Manager; Mike Little and April O’Neal, Olney Manor Recreational Park Managers; Linda Rodecap, Contract Specialist; Bob Kane, Construction Manager; Jim Poore, Site Inspector; California Skateparks, design company; Phoenix Engineering, site improvements consultant; and Creative Finishes, site improvements contractor.
M-NCPPC Staff Contact
For more information on the planning and development of the Olney Manor Skate Park, please contact:
Ellen Masciocchi, Department of Parks Project Manager
Ellen.Masciocchi@mnpccp-mc.org
301-650-2867
Date of last update: June 3, 2008
Montgomery County Department of Parks