2024 Year in Review at MV Parks

2024 brought much-needed developments and refurbishments to Montgomery Village, including new shade structures at David B. Humpton Park and a multi-sport court (soccer/basketball) addition at Hurley Park. As always, Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) is committed to keeping our parks beautiful for all residents, and we will continue to identify needs throughout our parks in 2025 and beyond. Here is a recap of all the improvements Parks and Recreation made in 2024; in case you missed them.

DAVID B. HUMPTON PARK SHADE STRUCTURES
In June, shade structures were added to the playground to provide areas of respite from the sun’s rays, allowing attendees to enjoy extended periods of outdoor play, exercise and social interaction in hot weather. The addition of shade structures was a direct response to feedback from the community and improved the overall accessibility and inclusivity of the park.

WHETSTONE COMMUNITY CENTER TENNIS COURTS RESURFACING
The tennis courts at the Whetstone Community Center received court surface repairs in May. Over time, weather, wear and tears had led to cracks on the surfaces. The refurbishment project involved filling the cracks and resurfacing for safer playing conditions, and the courts were painted for a vibrant, fresh look.

WILLIAM HURLEY MULTI-SPORTS COURTS
William Hurley Park underwent major modifications this fall, upgrading the basketball court nearest to the homes with a brand-new painted surface and plexiglass backboards, which Whetstone Community Center, Martin P. Roy Park and Apple Ridge Recreation Area had received in prior renovations. The basketball court next to the pavilion was converted into a multi-sport court with boarded soccer and basketball options. The project is expected to be completed and opened this month.

SOUTH VALLEY PARK LED LIGHTS PROJECT
The athletic field lights at South Valley Park are getting an upgrade, slated to be completed by the end of this year. Energy-efficient LED fixtures on the existing poles will meet or exceed the recommended standards for recreational athletic fields, which will provide an improved playing experience for field users. The MVF Organizational Green Plan identified lighting as a priority, replacing the current athletic field lights with an energy-efficient LED alternative.

CRICKET PITCH RENOVATED
In October, the turf for the cricket pitch at Apple Ridge Ballfield was replaced, and installation of fresh sod was also completed. The multi-step process included the removal of the old carpet turf from the cement base, and the new turf carpet was installed along with fresh sod on the sides of the pitch for a seamless transition. While the project installation is complete, the pitch will remain closed for rentals for the rest of this year to allow the grass to be established.

COMMUNITY FORUMS ON BOCCE AND DISC GOLF
This year, MVF Parks and Recreation Department identified two potential sports additions for MVF parks to include a bocce ball court and a disc golf addition as future amenities. During the survey period and virtual forums in September, residents were invited to express their interests and address any concerns.

TREE IDENTIFICATION PLAQUES AT KAUFMANN PARK
MVF Committee on the Environment requested that the old tree identification signs be replaced at Kauffman Park, because the old plaques were showing signs of deterioration. New metal signs like those found at other local arboretums and botanical gardens were installed to replace the old signs and added to identify new trees planted by MVF Parks and Tree Montgomery in the last few years. Residents can utilize these signs to identify Maryland native trees, unique cultivar, and trees historic to MV, including an English elm cloned from a magnificent old elm on Goshen Road. The park’s namesake, Milton M. Kaufmann, was involved with saving the Goshen elm in 2001 when housing development and the expansion of Goshen Road threatened to destroy the tree.

THEATER POND FOUNTAIN
The Theater Pond in South Valley Park also got an upgrade because it was determined that a new power unit was needed to operate this season. After careful research and consideration, it was determined that replacing the entire fountain would be more cost effective, and therefore a brand-new fountain unit was installed this past spring.