Planning Commission approves final site plan for Bloom Park trail improvements

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission on Feb. 19 voted unanimously to approve final site plan SP-9735-2024 for Bloom Park trail improvements at 18900 Watkins Mill Road.

The approval authorizes a package of natural‑surface trail work, three fair‑weather stream crossings in the park’s restored stream area, refurbishment of an existing gazebo and bridge, interpretive signage and limited trailhead fixtures. Staff said most new trails lie within the floodplain and must be constructed as natural surface per Maryland Department of the Environment permit requirements.

The project presentation was given by Sandra Gross of the Public Works Engineering Department. Gross said the site was acquired by the city in 1999, dedicated in 2001 and that the park’s original plan called for a passive, natural‑surface trail system. She summarized the final plan as prepared by KCI Technologies Inc., saying it “furthers the vision of the original passive park design” while adding loop trails, trailheads, overlooks and three fair‑weather stepping‑stone stream crossings to replace bridges removed during a 2022 stream restoration.

Gross said the Maryland Department of the Environment reviewed the proposal and that MDE’s permit requires natural, non‑mechanized trail surfacing in the floodplain; mechanized equipment may only be used in limited locations to place boulders and to build the fair‑weather crossings using soil protection mats. She described three stepping‑stone crossings and associated rock steps, a 10‑by‑20‑foot wetlands overlook with railing and bench seating and five interpretive signs (trailhead map, wetlands, stream restoration, native vegetation and park history).

A member of the public who identified himself as Charles Belanger of 10326 Watkins Mill Drive asked about construction hours and noise if mechanized equipment is needed. Gross replied contractors would typically work 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and that any work outside those hours would require a city noise waiver; she said most of the work should be limited to placing stones and modest equipment rather than large‑scale excavation.

Staff told the commission trash receptacles will be placed near the brick circle and that parking for the park is limited to parallel spaces along Watkins Mill Road (roughly four spaces, with room for one or two additional squeeze spaces). Gross said the perimeter trail is about seven‑tenths of a mile in length and that staff hopes to begin construction after June 15 to avoid stream‑work restrictions in effect March 15–June 15.

Jasmine (city staff) read the staff recommendation that the commission grant final site plan approval and find the application in conformance with the cited sections of the city zoning ordinance. A commissioner moved approval and a second was made; the commission voted “aye” and the motion passed unanimously.

The approved plan and staff presentation stress preservation of natural trail character, limited park fixtures concentrated at the trailhead and use of interpretive signage developed by Environmental Services, Parks and Recreation and Engineering. Gross said the park’s wetland overlook and stream bank seating will be sited to minimize risk from the park’s designed flood behavior.

Construction timing and access: staff expects to begin after June 15 and estimated construction duration as “a couple of months” to up to roughly six months for the limited structural work, with stream work prohibited during the March 15–June 15 window per permit conditions.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions at the public hearing about trash collection locations, the number of trash cans, parking limitations, trail surfacing and the interpretive signage. No substantive changes to the plan were made at the hearing.

The commission’s approval clears the way for the city to proceed with permit coordination and procurement for construction.