County highlights summer pools, camps and hiring as recreation season opens

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Department of Recreation Director Gabe Albornoz used the county’s weekly media briefing to preview summer programming and staffing plans for 2026.

Gabe Albornoz said the county’s seven outdoor pools have opened and will move to a seven‑day schedule starting June 19, with weekday hours from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and weekend hours from noon to 8 p.m. "We have our summer camps that will be launching soon," Albornoz said, adding that pools drew nearly 100,000 visits across indoor and outdoor sites last year.

Albornoz outlined a broad slate of youth programming, including teen nights, summer streetball, flag football, and a Soccer for Change program, and encouraged residents to check the summer guide online (bocorec.com) or mocorec.com for registration and remaining openings. He said the department hires more than 1,000 seasonal employees each summer and still has lifeguard and aquatics openings.

The department also previewed large public events tied to the county’s 250th anniversary: a July 3 celebration at Newport Mill Park and a July 4 event at Germantown’s soccerplex. Albornoz said the county will host a public viewing of the World Cup final on July 19 at Wheaton Regional Park.

Elrich framed recreation investment as a way to keep local youth sports affordable amid rising private‑equity involvement in youth athletics. "Wall Street is once again fleecing families, and that's why it's critical that local governments need to continue investing and offering affordable summer activities," he said.

The department stressed that fitness centers remain free for residents and provided phone and website contacts for registration and job applications. The county urged families to plan ahead for holiday closures on June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 3–4.

The briefing concluded with a short Q&A; reporters had no questions for the director at the time.