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Over the past year, we've been working with Montgomery Village residents and stakeholders to bring needed indoor community and recreation space to the area - and to enhance access to existing options.
 Click to watch the MyMCMedia report on the October 2023 community town hall on a Montgomery Village recreation center
On November 14, the Department of Recreation and community partners are hosting a public meeting to get feedback and detail the planning effort for this future facility. Take part from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Lake Marion Community Center at 8821 E Village Avenue, Montgomery Village, MD 20886.
This follows our efforts to include funding in this year's capital budget to begin this planning process. While we continue to work to make this vision a reality, we've learned a lot from the community's advocacy. So why is this project important, what's next, where may this recreation center be located, and what other questions remain?
Check out these Frequently Asked Questions, contact us at councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov, and come to the November 14 meeting at Lake Marion Community Center!
Why are community members asking for indoor recreation and community space?
Indoor recreation and community space for sports, tutoring, exercise, and other types of community development helps people stay active, be healthy, learn, and make lasting friendships and connections that strengthen our communities.
What are the hurdles to accessing existing indoor recreation space in the area?
At our October 2023 community meeting, local residents cited lack of transit access to existing nearby facilities including the County's Upper County Community Recreation Center, indoor facilities in Montgomery Village, and recreation centers in the City of Gaithersburg. Residents also said they are concerned with the costs for specific activities at some of these facilities.
Will a future recreation center be located at Lakeforest Mall?
There is no location selected for a future Montgomery Village Recreation Center. Many have pointed to the possibility of this facility as part of the redevelopment of the Lakeforest Mall site. A private company that owns the property has proposed the project and the City of Gaithersburg recently approved its plans, which include civic and community space. The indoor recreation facility being part of the Lakeforest project would require a partnership between the developer, the County, and potentially other stakeholders.
 The Plum Gar Community Recreation Center in Germantown, via Montgomery Recreation
How long does it take to build a community recreation center?
The current funding in the County's budget is for a process called Facility Planning - the first step for identifying what the recreation center will offer, how it should be laid out, and other key elements. Then, the County will need to find a location and the community, County Executive, and Council must decide whether, how, and when to fund further design and construction. Given limited resources and other major capital projects in the County, facilities such as a community recreation center can take many years to budget and build.
How can I help?
Attend the community meeting on November 14 to let the County know what's important for you in a future recreation facility!
Also, continue to tell us how we can increase access to existing opportunities in the area. In addition to work on planning for the future facility, my team and I have had numerous meetings, site visits, and conversations with residents about increasing transit availability from local neighborhoods and schools to recreation centers, educating residents on the services already available, and figuring out solutions for other types of recreation activities including outdoor sports.
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