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Montgomery Parks outlines new projects, restoration work and a plan to double solar output
Summary
Montgomery Parks presented its semiannual report highlighting major and behind‑the‑scenes work: Sligo Creek Fest attendance growth, new parks (Bottle Works Lane, Ovid Hazen Wells), a Purple Line-funded fish passage restoring Long Branch, and a goal to double solar energy production over five years.
Montgomery Parks Director Mitti Figueredo told the County Council the department’s recent work stretches from high‑visibility events to technical environmental work, and includes projects planned for opening this year and next. "This past May, over 10,000 people gathered for our now annual Sligo Creek Fest," Figueredo said, and she outlined park improvements including Bottle Works Lane, a one‑acre urban park that entered construction after environmental remediation was resolved.
Figueredo also highlighted ecological restoration projects and operational details the public rarely sees. She described completion of a Purple Line mitigation fish passage reconnecting upstream and downstream reaches of Long Branch and said the department planted more than 5,500 native trees and shrubs as part of outfall stabilization work. She added that Parks will aim to double its current solar energy production — from about 3.4 million kilowatt‑hours to roughly 6.8 million — through rooftop, ground‑mounted and parking‑canopy installations over five years.
Council members pressed Parks on project timing and community outreach, citing requests for improved signage, lighting along connector paths, and more drinking water facilities. Figueredo said the department is increasing engagement efforts and using data to prioritize park “face lift” investments, small projects funded to make parks feel cared for while larger renovations are staged.
The department previewed ribbon cuttings and community events tied to the report, including Royce Hansen Conservation Park opening and new amenities at Wheaton Regional Park. Figueredo said the work is resource intensive, noting construction, environmental compliance and volunteer coordination behind public openings.
