Downtown Silver Spring’s artificial turf, installed in August 2005 as a stopgap method of covering an open space before its planned redevelopment, has become more popular than anyone imagined.
The Montgomery County Planning Board is scheduled to meet today to consider making the open space a permanent place for residents to play and socialize.
County officials originally wanted the space at the southeast corner of Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive to be redeveloped with a new civic building, paved plaza, pavilion, public art and an ice skating rink.
After a public parking garage was torn down to make way for the new development, the county had artificial turf installed at the site until a construction plan was approved.
While they studied options, teenagers, sunbathers, picnickers and others figured out their own ways to use the site.
“It’s become a place people like to gather,” said Valerie Berton, Montgomery County Planning Board spokeswoman.
Skateboarding and break dancing seem popular among some teenagers. Local vendors like the site to set up booths and give out samples of their wares.
It also has been used for a portable movie theater, a bandstand and for public awareness campaigns by nonprofits.
In fact, it has become so popular that county planners decided after public meetings that they want to change their plan.
They want to keep the idea for a civic building, but not build the ice skating rink and paved plaza. Instead, they would build a small park on the site so it could continue to be a community gathering place.
“This would be a nice break from the monotony of pavement,” Ms. Berton said. “We have other ice rinks.”
She also said a park would fit well with the goal of more green space in the 20-year master plan the Montgomery County Planning Board put together in 2000.
The board is likely to make a decision on what to do with the open space at the meeting today, Ms. Berton said.
Business owners say the open space across from City Place Mall has attracted customers.
Sean Pestoff, co-manager of the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream store at 903 Ellsworth Drive said he has noticed that on hot days, visitors to the open space across from his store often decide, “Let’s go get some ice cream.”
David Kussner, manager of Majestic 20 Theatre at 900 Ellsworth Drive, said, “I think that once they did put that AstroTurf down, those people who came to hang out had a place to hang out and not just on the street.”
He said he likes the idea of keeping the open space, but is concerned about after-hours visitors who linger too long.
c Property Lines runs on Thursdays. Call Tom Ramstack at 202/636-3180 or e-mail tram stack@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.