The County Council yesterday approved more than $1 million in two special appropriations to support area youth sports. In addition, two council members introduced a bill to lower annual license fees for county retailers and restaurant operators.
Montgomery Parks announced that portions of Sligo Creek Parkway would remain closed to vehicles and open for pedestrians, bicyclists and other exercise on Labor Day, Sept. 7. On Labor Day weekend, the parkway will be available Friday at 9 a.m. through Tuesday, September 8, till 7 a.m. from Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road (1.1 miles) and Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard West (1.5 miles).
Montgomery Parks will open access to regional and recreational park athletic fields for certain youth and adult games beginning Sept. 1, according to an announcement yesterday. Availability will be limited to low- and medium-risk sports, as defined by the Maryland Sports Commission Return to Play Committee Report, for groups of 50 or fewer.
The county’s parks and library branches this week will begin lifting some restrictions imposed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown and offering certain services and amenities. Beginning today (June 29), Montgomery Parks will be reopening playgrounds to patrons under certain guidelines, and library book drops will open for returns (with some exceptions).
The county has launched a summer employment program for residents aged 16–23 who will work throughout the county to assist in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. The “COVID Corps” will be run by the county’s Recreation Department, which will provide mentors, guidance and training for selected applicants.
Montgomery County will move to Phase 2 of its planned reopening at 5 p.m. Friday, June 19, County Executive Marc Elrich announced. “Phase 2 allows additional businesses and activities to start and/or increase modified operations under specified guidelines.”
Montgomery Parks announced that some park amenities would reopen beginning today, May 7. The facilities that will reopen include all outdoor tennis courts.
Montgomery Parks announced that a second section of Sligo Creek Parkway would be closed to traffic on weekends, beginning today (April 10) during the COVID-19 emergency. The closure, in effect from 9 a.m. Fridays to 6 p.m. Sunday, will allow additional space for walkers, runners and bicyclists.
Gov. Larry Hogan extended the closure of public schools due to the COVID-19 emergency, and Montgomery County Public Schools began distributing laptops to students needing them for distance learning. The closures are in effect until at least April 24 and all extracurricular programs, athletic programs are cancelled.