Montgomery Parks’ COVID-19 Information

Montgomery Parks has reopened playgrounds and other park amenities in accordance with Montgomery County’s Executive Order 082-20, COVID-19 Local Order – Phase 2. When playing, remember to: Wear a face covering. Stay six feet apart. Clean your hands before and after use. Park visitors are encouraged to bring their own wipes and hand sanitizer.

In addition:

Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena are now open for individual athletic training (currently, no public skating sessions).
Our event centers Seneca Lodge and Rockwood Manor are accepting reservations for small bookings.
Indoor Tennis Centers at Wheaton Regional Park and Cabin John Regional Park are open.
Miniature Golf at South Germantown Park is now open on weekends only from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Credit card payments encouraged.
The Wheaton Sports Pavilion is now open for futsal, soccer, and lacrosse bookings.

Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train & Carousel are closed until further notice. Thank you for your support and patronage, and we hope to take a ride again with you soon.

(Updated: August 7)

Our Open Streets Initiative on three parkways has been extended through Labor Day weekend.	Parks, trails, fields, and sections of several parkways are open for exercise including walking, hiking, and biking
Black Hill Boats and Lake Needwood Boats are open.	All outdoor tennis courts and South Germantown Driving Range are currently open
Montgomery Parks is now issuing permits for local park athletic fields for youth practice only, to learn more please visit our Permits & Rentals page.

Be Smart. Do Your Part.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission urges our residents and visitors to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. If you go to a park or trail to exercise, use caution. Our parks and trails are open sunrise to sunset, but please:

Keep six feet between you and others at all times.
Do not play group or contact sports
Do not touch surfaces such as park benches, water fountains, and athletic equipment such as fitness stations.

Dogs must be leashed
Refrain from groups of ten or more.
Smoking, vaping, and alcohol is prohibited.

Our Customer Service office hours are Monday – Saturday: 8 am – 5 pm. As a reminder, the contact info is 301-495-2595 & Info@MontgomeryParks.org. Park patrons with questions can email the Public Information Customer Service office at info@montgomeryparks.org.

Montgomery Parks' COVID-19

Are the parks, gardens, trails, and dog parks open?

Yes, outdoor spaces in parks, gardens, community gardens, and trails are open, though the use of some park amenities is prohibited, including playgrounds, and outdoor fitness equipment.

Dog parks and skate parks remain open, but usage must be limited to less than 10 people at a time.

Brookside Gardens’ Visitors Center and Conservatory are closed, and parking at the visitor center has been limited, but the grounds remain open.

Please observe signs. Anyone engaging in outdoor exercise activities must follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state guidelines: groups must be limited to ten or less people and you must keep a distance of at least six feet between you and other people at all times.
Can my kids play on the playground?
Playgrounds have been reopened beginning Monday, June 29. Our 174 playlots host 276 playgrounds and we ask that when playing, remember to:
- Wear face coverings.
- Stay 6 feet apart.
- Clean your hands before and after use
Sligo Creek Parkway Weekend Closures

As of Friday, April 10, the following sections of Sligo Creek Parkway will be closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other park users beginning Friday mornings at 9 a.m. through Sunday evenings at 6 p.m.:

University Boulevard West to Dennis Avenue
Dennis Avenue to Forest Glen Road
Piney Branch Avenue to Maple Avenue
Maple Avenue to Old Carroll Avenue

We are monitoring usage during the month of April and will reassess these closures at the end of the month.

Sligo Creek Parkway adheres to our normal park and trail hours of sunrise to sunset. 
Can I still walk on the closed roadways? What times will the roadways be closed?

Yes, Friday mornings at 9 a.m. through Sunday evenings at 6 p.m., portions of Sligo Creek Parkway, Little Falls Parkway, and Beach Drive are closed to vehicles and open for pedestrians and cyclists.

Friday 9 a.m. to Sundays 6 p.m.

See our Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Parks’ Road Closures post for more information.
Why are you closing portions of these roadways?

To expand safe access to park facilities for exercise during the COVID-19 crisis and to provide additional space for easier social distancing.

See our Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Parks’ Road Closures post for more information.
When will indoor facilities reopen?

Beginning July 6, our indoor tennis centers and ice rinks reopened. We are working closely with local health officials and will reopen our other indoor facilities when they communicate it is safe. Please check individual facility webpages for their guidelines and safety practices.
Will I get a refund for programs, summer camp, or classes for which I have registered?

Yes. If you registered for a program, class, event, rental, or permitted field March 16 to June 30, you can receive a refund. All summer camp registrations will be refunded. However, the process to give you a refund could take up to 60 days. We recommend you hold a credit on your account and reschedule instead.
What is the status of permitted field use?

Park Permits is now taking first-come, first-serve park permits for local park athletic fields for youth sports practice only. The Permits Office will follow the traditional process for the fall permitting process which begins July 15.
I have a field reserved for the spring and summer season. Will I get a refund?

Yes, you can receive a refund. However, the process to give you a refund could take up to 60 days. We recommend you hold a credit on your account and reschedule instead. For more information, contact Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) at 240–777–2716 (Park fields) and 240–777–2725 (school fields) or CUPF@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play tennis or pickleball?

Yes. Tennis courts and pickleball courts are available for use (May 7).
Capital Crescent Trail Info

The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) is one of the most used trails in Montgomery County. For better social distancing, we advise residents to consider alternative trails or plan your activity during off-peak hours, like early or later in the day.

When using the CCT, or any trail, do not walk, run or bike in groups. Instead, move in single file. Side by side groups impede social distancing. Warn other trail users as you pass. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
Do parks and trails close at 8 pm?

There’s no curfew in the Governor’s Executive Order, but parks and trails close at dark.
How long will these new road closures be in effect?

Until further notice. We continue to assess the pedestrian traffic, input from the public and local leaders, and follow guidance from federal, state, and local health officials to ensure the safety of all our park patrons.

See our Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Parks’ Road Closures post for more information.
Can you add other streets/sections of the roadways to the closures?

We are actively assessing potential options for expanding these closures. We are also mindful of the operational and community impact of any extended closures and we are selecting closure areas in geographically different locations, so that multiple neighborhoods can reap the benefits.

See our Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Parks’ Road Closures post for more information.
Are community gardens open?

Yes, our community gardens are open to staff and individuals with permits for plots. However, you must follow guidelines about social distancing and gathering in groups of ten or less. Please also see our additional information about Community Gardening during COVID-19.
Why are you cancelling classes and closing facilities to the public?

The health and safety of our patrons and staff are our top priority. These cancellations support measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
I have booked a park activity building. Will I get a refund?

Yes, you can receive a refund. However, the process to give you a refund could take up to 60 days. We recommend you hold a credit on your account and reschedule instead. For more information, contact our Permit Office at 301–495–2525 or ParkPermits@MontgomeryParks.org.

Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks’ COVID-19 Information

Be Smart. Do Your Part.

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