Rockville's Historic District Commission is making significant strides in the development of the King Farm Farmstead Master Plan, following a year-long engagement process that has actively involved community feedback and collaboration with the Mayor and Council. The project aims to align with the city's recreation and parks strategic plan while enhancing community engagement.
The process began with a work session with the Mayor and Council to ensure alignment on the project’s direction. This was followed by the launch of the Engage Rockville website, which served as a platform for community input through surveys and visioning sessions. Over the spring, five visioning sessions—both in-person and virtual—were conducted to gather initial feedback from residents.
In July, the project team returned to the Mayor and Council to present four options for the plan, seeking guidance on which to refine further. The Council directed staff to focus on two options: a primary option and a more extensive version that includes additional features. This decision is expected to lead to detailed cost estimations and economic analyses.
As the project progresses, the next work session is scheduled for September 29, where further feedback will be gathered from the Mayor and Council. A follow-up session is planned for October 20, contingent on the feedback received. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to creating a space that attracts local and regional interest while promoting low-impact recreational activities, ensuring that community needs and desires are at the forefront of the planning process.