Wheaton Regional Park – Master Plan Update 2020-2021

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Division: Park Planning and Stewardship

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Visioning the Future of Wheaton Regional Park

Montgomery Parks is updating the 1987 Wheaton Regional Park Master Plan.  We are currently engaging communities and organizations that surround the park for their input, including homeowner associations, schools, businesses, and faith organizations. We want to hear from all residents, to ensure that the future of Wheaton Regional Park reflects the diverse values and interests of the local community.  There are many ways for community members to share their ideas for the future of the park, including by taking an online survey or submitting comments and suggestions on an interactive map. Our staff is also hosting many virtual presentations and discussions about the project for community organizations, and conducted in-person surveys in the park several times in the Fall of 2020. The public was invited to two virtual community meetings to learn more about the project, provide comments and ask questions.  View a recording of the January 13 meeting  or January 14 (Spanish-language) meeting. 

 Project Background

The current Master Plan for Wheaton Regional Park was created in 1987. A park master plan guides the development of the park, including new facilities and renovated facilities, as well as broad operation, management, and maintenance issues.  Many of the 1987 plan’s recommendations have been built or implemented.

Wheaton Regional Park remains vibrant and popular, but it is also aging.  An update is needed to reflect the many changes that have occurred over the last 30 plus years so that the park can better serve the adjacent communities as well as residents throughout the county.  The master plan will also guide plans for future renovations and growth.

Click to enlarge map

The Park Today

Wheaton Regional Park was established in 1960, and is nestled in a forested area of Wheaton, Maryland. It is the largest park in the southern region of Montgomery County and assembles several large parcels of land into one of the county’s finest parks. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational and educational opportunities within its 536 acres.

The Park has developed into three distinct areas with three separate entrances:

• The Shorefield Area entrance is on Shorefield Road off of Georgia Avenue.  This area includes:
  • Picnic shelters
  • An adventure playground
  • Miniature Train and Carousel
  • Pine Lake
  • Numerous paved trails
  • Adult fitness stations
• The Glenallan Area entrance is on Glenallan Avenue.  This area includes:
  • Brookside Gardens
  • Brookside Nature Center
  • Horse Stables
  • Numerous paved and unpaved trails
• The Orebaugh Area entrance is on Arcola Avenue.  This area includes:
  • F. Frank Rubini Athletic Complex with six diamond ballfields
  • Wheaton Ice Arena
  • Wheaton Sports Pavilion
  •  Indoor and Outdoor Tennis courts
  • Basketball courts
  • Dog park

Master Plan Update

The updated Master Plan will detail a visionary plan that balances recreation and stewardship, core to Montgomery Parks’ mission.  It will also address the 1987 recommendations that have not been completed as well as topics that emerge from the community.  The plan will also align with other current department master plans such as the Nature Center Master Plan and Thrive Montgomery 2050.

Topics that will be addressed as part of the master plan include:

• Infrastructure
  • Park Entrances and Visibility
  • Signage and Wayfinding
  • Roads
  • Parking
  • Accessibility
  • Underutilized Areas
  • Paved Trails
• Amenities
  • Nature Center
  • Athletic Fields
  • Picnic Area
  • Horse Stable
  • Emerging recreational trends such as futsal/court, soccer, and pickleball
• Natural Resources
  • Trails
  • Potential land acquisitions
  • Biodiversity area
• Maintenance and Operations
  • Efficiency improvements
• Cultural Heritage and Interpretation
  • Stubbs Barn
  • Incorporate historical elements of Wheaton Regional Park and surrounding area

Calendar and Meeting Notes

The calendar is updated with dates and times as various events and meetings are scheduled. Links to presentation materials, meeting notes, and memos are posted for each event as soon as they are available.

Get Involved

Ideas for this project are welcome at any time throughout the planning process.

• Comment on our Open Town Hall forum and interactive map 
• Email the project manager:  Chuck Kines – Charles.Kines@montgomeryparks.org
• Invite us to your club, group, civic, or homeowner association meeting to share information.
• Look for park ambassadors in and around Wheaton throughout the fall and share your feedback in person. (Parks staff will be wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing in accordance with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines).