New Hampshire Estates Neighborhood Park Renovation
Help Shape the Future of New Hampshire Estates Neighborhood Park!
Montgomery Parks is planning a renovation of New Hampshire Estates Neighborhood Park, the 4.9-acre park is bounded by University Boulevard, Piney Branch Road, and Carroll Avenue in Silver Spring. The park will receive significant upgrades to better serve the community. With its proximity to the Piney Branch Purple Line station, this project presents a unique opportunity to create a pedestrian-accessible park with new amenities and vibrant green space in a rapidly urbanizing area.
Community Input Matters
We want to hear from you! Your feedback will help shape a park that reflects the character of your neighborhood and meets the needs of the community. Visit the project page for more information. The comment period is open through June 30, 2026.
On May 13, 2026, Montgomery Parks hosted a virtual community meeting to discuss the renovation of New Hampshire Estates Neighborhood Park. Staff presented two concepts for community review and comment. During the meeting, attendees were encouraged to ask questions and share comments.
Proposed Design Concepts
We’re excited to present two unique design concepts, both of which include:
- Community plaza
- Soccer (field or court)
- Age-appropriate playgrounds
- A community garden
- Shaded picnic areas
Take the survey and tell us:
- Which concept do you prefer and why?
- What features are most important to you and your family?
- How can we ensure the park feels authentic to your neighborhood?
A naturalistic retreat retaining the existing soccer field, a new plaza, and a winding path lined with amenities and a variety of trees. This design includes the following:
- Refreshed soccer field (natural grass) - small U12 field 230'x130'
- Community plaza for gathering and neighborhood events
- Shaded Pergola with seating
- Community garden
- Two playgrounds designed for different age groups, separated by a walkway
- Small soccer court with lighting - 40'x80'
- A walking path from University Boulevard to Piney Branch Road
A vibrant, urban space with a large soccer court, community lawn, and the “University Promenade”—a wide, tree-lined walkway. This design includes the following:
- Large Soccer court with lighting - 120'x60'
- Community plaza for gathering and neighborhood events
- Shaded Pergola with seating
- Community garden
- Shaded Promenade—a paved, tree-lined walkway
- Open lawn area for play, gathering, and picnics
- Community garden
- Two adjacent playgrounds, designed for different age groups
- Terrace with a picnic shelter and grills
- Outdoor fitness area
- A walking path from University Boulevard to Piney Branch Road
Phases
Community Engagement Report
New Hampshire Estates Park Renovation Project - Outreach Summary
- Open Comment Period: April 13, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Report summary
To ensure the New Hampshire Estate Park renovation reflects community priorities and neighborhood needs, Montgomery Parks conducted a public outreach campaign to gather input from residents and park users.
Opportunities for Community Feedback
Community members were provided multiple opportunities to learn about the project and share their feedback through an online comment period, a virtual public meeting, and a series of in-person outreach events. Feedback collected throughout the engagement process helped staff better understand community priorities, evaluate preferences for park amenities and design features, and inform the development of the preferred renovation concept. Public input will continue to be considered as the project advances into the next phase of design.
Montgomery Parks hosted a virtual community meeting on May 13, 2026, to present two preliminary park concepts for public review and discussion. During the meeting, community members were invited to provide feedback on proposed amenities, park features, and overall design priorities.
To further expand outreach efforts, Montgomery Parks staff attended and tabled at nine community events, providing residents with opportunities to learn about the project, ask questions, and complete surveys in person. These engagement activities helped ensure that feedback was collected from a broad cross-section of park users and community members.
In-person events:
- 4/21: Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan – Open House
- 4/28: New Hampshire Estates Elementary School Resource Fair
- 5/7: CHEER Community Ambassadors Team (CAT) Meeting
- 5/12: New Hampshire Estates Elementary PTA meeting through Zoom
- 5/27: Clifton Baptist Church food distribution
- 6/3: Rolling Terrace Elementary Spring Resource Fair
- 6/9: Park Montgomery Apartment Complex Pop Up
- 6/10: Crossroads Farmers Market
- 6/25: Power in the Park at New Hampshire Estates Park
In-person Feedback
As part of the community engagement process, staff spoke with nearly 250 community members and collected 170 paper surveys. The paper survey was a condensed version of the online survey and focused on identifying the amenities residents would most like to see at the renovated park. Respondents were also asked to choose between two park concepts: an open lawn with a large soccer court or a natural grass soccer field with a smaller soccer court.
Feedback from the paper surveys showed a preference for Concept 2, which includes the open lawn and large soccer court. This result was consistent with the online survey responses, where Concept 2 was also the preferred option.
Paper survey participants were also asked to rank the amenities they would most like to see in the renovated park. The top three priorities were playgrounds, outdoor fitness areas, and picnic shelters with grills, all of which are included in Concept 2. Taken together, the in-person and online engagement efforts demonstrated strong community support for Concept 2 and its proposed amenities.
Online Survey Responses
Please select your favorite concept.
What do you like most about the concept you selected? Are there any elements from the other concept that you’d also like to see included?
AI Summary:
Concept One Feedback:
Community feedback on Concept One highlighted a mix of support and suggested refinements. Several respondents recommended replacing the soccer court with the outdoor fitness area featured in Concept Two, noting that it would appeal to a wider range of users, particularly older adults. Others suggested converting the soccer court area into additional sports courts, such as tennis or basketball, to provide more diverse recreational opportunities. Some respondents supported retaining the soccer court but preferred the larger version proposed in Concept Two.
Many respondents appreciated Concept One's more open and natural character. Several noted that the natural grass soccer field could accommodate larger groups and offer greater flexibility than an enclosed soccer court. Others expressed support for the larger plaza, viewing it as a valuable space for community gatherings, events, and social activities.
Concept Two Feedback:
Concept Two received strong support for its family-friendly and multi-generational design. Many respondents favored the placement of playgrounds near picnic areas and community lawn spaces, which would allow caregivers to supervise children while enjoying other park amenities. The proximity of play areas for different age groups, along with shaded seating, was also viewed positively.
Several respondents raised concerns about the long-term durability and maintenance of natural grass fields and expressed a preference for a soccer court because of its usability, safety, and lower maintenance requirements. Community gathering spaces, including plazas, open lawns, and shaded promenades, generated considerable enthusiasm, with respondents highlighting their value for events, relaxation, and flexible recreational use. The proposed community gardens and outdoor fitness area were also well received.
Some participants voiced concerns about potential overdevelopment, the loss of natural areas, and the impact of evening lighting on wildlife and neighboring residents. Suggestions included preserving existing trees, incorporating native plantings, and limiting nighttime lighting where possible.
Across both concepts, respondents emphasized the importance of creating flexible, multi-use spaces that serve people of all ages and abilities. Common themes included the desire for interconnected play and gathering spaces, a balance between active recreation and natural areas, and amenities that support a wide range of community activities. Overall, feedback demonstrated strong support for a park design that combines recreation, social gathering opportunities, and environmental stewardship.
Based on the size of the park, there is only room for a soccer field OR a community lawn. Please select your top choice.
Please select the top 3 amenities you would like to see in the park. Select up to 3 options.
AI summary of "other" responses:
Respondents mentioned other types of courts, such as a tennis court and a sand volleyball court. As well as the desire for a pond or rain garden, and natural shade from trees.
How would you like to spend time in the park? Select up to 3 options.
AI summary of "other" response:
One respondent mentioned watching sports and people-watching.
Which theme or subject would you like to see included in the design? Select your top choice.
AI summary of "other" responses:
One respondent mentioned native plants, while another suggested a soccer ball with hexagonal shapes in various countries' colors or sports team colors.
Select your top 2 favorite park elements.
Artistic paving
26.2% (16 choices)
Sculptural, themed play structures
24.6% (15 choices)
Interesting paving patterns and furnishings
23% (14 choices)
Reclaimed, nature-inspired seating
19.7% (12 choices)
Colorful seating
4.9% (3 choices)
No answer
1.6% (1 choice)
Which amenity would appeal most to teenagers visiting the park? Select up to 3 options.
AI summary of "other" responses:
Respondents mentioned skateboarding rails, curbs, and ramps incorporated throughout the park, as well as lockers for bikes and e-scooters. Someone else also suggested an under-12 soccer field, and another requested that the field be lit.
What age range are the children you bring to the current playground (or would bring to a renovated playground)? Select all that apply.
What are your biggest play priorities for 2–5-year-olds? Select up to 5.
What are your biggest play priorities for 5-12-year-olds? Select up to 5.
Please share any additional comments or suggestions about the park designs or potential improvements.
AI Summary:
Many respondents emphasized the importance of safety, especially regarding the park’s proximity to the road and the need for safer enclosures for play areas.
The need for year-round bathrooms and filtered drinking water stations was mentioned multiple times. Shade for playgrounds, either through trees or coverings, was also suggested to keep equipment cool and comfortable.
Many respondents requested more natural spaces, trees, color, and plenty of seating to create a welcoming community environment. The inclusion of swings and interactive playground elements was also mentioned.
Other practical suggestions included placing picnic/grilling areas near playgrounds for better supervision and avoiding wood for playground equipment due to maintenance and safety concerns.
Overall, respondents want a safe, inclusive, and multi-use park with good amenities, natural features, and facilities that serve a broad range of community needs.
Events
Past events
Event date: May 13th, 2026 at 11:00 PM to May 14th, 2026 at 12:30 AM.