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Residents press Council to preserve parks operations, capital projects and after-school recreation
Summary
Park volunteers, sports organizers and residents asked the Council to restore or increase operating and capital funding for Montgomery Parks, turf fields at schools and the Wheaton Action Sports Park, citing public-health, equity and maintenance needs.
A wide range of speakers — parks volunteers, sports organizations, parents and teenagers — urged the Montgomery County Council to maintain or increase funding for Montgomery Parks and recreation services, including capital projects and field maintenance.
Wendy Calhoun, director of administration for Montgomery Soccer, Inc., argued that modern artificial turf technology is safer and more cost-effective than previous generations and said turf fields dramatically increase hours of play and access. "Turf fields dramatically expand both access and equity," Calhoun said, citing usage figures presented to the council.
Lynn Parsons, a parks volunteer, described repeated illegal dumping and lengthy delays in county removal that left volunteers burdened and asked the council to prioritize adequate Parks staffing to make volunteer efforts sustainable.
Several speakers also highlighted specific capital concerns, including potential cuts to projects such as the Wheaton Action Sports Park, which proponents said would serve a large constituency and create youth recreational opportunities.
Speakers asked the Council to narrow operating shortfalls and protect capital projects; no vote was taken at the hearing.
