Storms force closures at several Montgomery parks

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Unprecedented rainfall has closed several park facilities and park roadways in Montgomery County until further notice, officials announced Thursday.

They are:

* Rock Creek Regional Park and Lake Needwood in Derwood, including trails and boat rentals.

* Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville. All camps and programs have been cancelled until further notice. For more information, call 301-924-4141.

* Candy Cane City on Meadowbrook Lane in Chevy Chase

* Burnt Mill East Park and trail in Northwest Branch Park

* Seneca Landing boat launch on Riley’s Lock Road

* The campground in Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda

* Beach Drive.

Ballfields

All the ballfields at several county parks are also closed until further notice. They are:

* Cabin John Regional Park, call 301-299-1975 for updates.

* Wheaton Regional Park, call 301-649-3633 for updates.

* Little Bennett Regional Park, call 301-972-0723 for updates.

*Martin Luther King Park, call 301-622-4018 for updates.

Trails

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Several park trails have also sustained substantial damage. Park officials strongly caution pedestrians and bikers to use caution when using trails as pathways and footbridges may be washed out.

Those damaged include the Rachel Carson Trail, trails in Rock Creek Park, the Burnt Mill East trail and those along Sligo Creek Parkway.

Playgrounds

Several county playgrounds have also been washed out. They are those at Sligo Cabin School, Candy Cane City, Sligo Stream Valley south of Piney Branch, and Jones Mill Road.

Report damage

County residents wishing to report problems or needed repairs in a park, or a park tree that has fallen onto private property, should contact the Montgomery Parks Service Center at 301-670-8080.

For the latest list of park closures, visit www.montgomeryparks.com <http:⁄⁄www.montgomeryparks.com>.