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Advocates ask council to fully fund parks, trails and Wheaton action‑sports projects; turf debate surfaces
Summary
Speakers at the Feb. 9 CIP hearing urged full funding for Montgomery County Parks, including Wheaton Regional Park improvements, natural‑surface trails and the proposed Wheaton Action Sports Park; testimony also included competing views on synthetic turf vs. natural grass for athletic fields.
A coalition of parks users, volunteers and community leaders urged the Montgomery County Council on Feb. 9 to fully fund parks, trails and the proposed Wheaton Action Sports Park in the FY27 capital budget and FY27–32 CIP.
Speakers including Lisonbee Glispie, Chris Irwin and Jennifer Trujillo emphasized that Wheaton Regional Park serves large nearby populations and that investments in trails, natural‑surface routes and the proposed action‑sports complex would expand equitable access to recreation. "Parks impact all students, all residents," Glispie said, asking the council to "please fully fund the parks department budget." Trujillo asked for $1,000,000 for natural‑surface trail capital funding and cited connectivity goals to surrounding counties.
Testimony also included a heated public debate about athletic‑field surfaces. Mary Kate Crawford and other proponents argued synthetic turf increases usable hours by roughly four times compared with grass and helps maintain access for youth sports. In contrast, Hannah Donner (MCCPTA Health & Wellness Committee) urged pausing new synthetic turf installations until MCPS issues an RFP for natural grass and recommended visible warning signs at synthetic turf sites about heat and chemical risks.
Recreational‑sports users pressed the council on operational impacts: Dave Mota said converting the Nancy Daseck North Potomac Community Center field from turf to grass would sharply reduce year‑round usability and exclude older players and recreational leagues during winter months.
Speakers repeatedly linked parks funding to equity and public health, noting the role of safe trails and play spaces in community wellness and youth development. The council took no immediate action; testimony will be considered as council members and staff evaluate priorities during the CIP work sessions.
