Residents and volunteers press council to fully fund parks, trails and Wheaton Action Sports Park
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Summary
Speakers at the FY27 capital budget hearing urged full funding for Montgomery Parks, citing climate resilience, public health, and low per-mile costs for trails; advocates also urged the council to fund the Wheaton Action Sports Park and natural turf fields.
Park advocates, volunteers and residents urged the Montgomery County Council to preserve and increase funding for parks, trails and outdoor recreation during the FY27 capital budget public hearing.
Jane Hollihan, board member of the Montgomery Parks Foundation, said parks provide essential green space that cools neighborhoods, improves mental and physical health, and can help manage stormwater. "Parks aren't optional. They're really core infrastructure for our health and well-being," she said.
Speakers consistently described trails as a cost-effective investment. Tom Newton said, "At just $5,000 per mile, trails are the most cost effective way to improve park access and connect neighborhoods," and urged the council to support a $200,000 annual increase requested by the planning board for natural surface trails.
Supporters also urged timely funding for the Wheaton Action Sports Park and improvements at Wheaton Regional Park, including restrooms and a skate/sports complex. Young advocates and volunteers explained how action-sport facilities and trails provide structured opportunities for youth engagement.
Parks advocates tied their requests to broader county goals, including climate resilience (tree canopy and solar projects), public health benefits and equitable access to recreation. Several speakers asked the council to favor natural turf over artificial turf where feasible, citing concerns about microplastics and heat.
The public hearing closed with no immediate vote; council work sessions on the capital budget will continue as scheduled.
