Montgomery County Department of Parks

Under the direction of Michael F. Riley, Director of Parks, M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks, remains dedicated to making sure that residents continue to receive the best park experience possible, whether it's a picnic at Black Hill Regional Park, an ice-skating lesson at one of our two rinks, or a visit to our Garden of Lights show at Brookside Gardens. We recognize the importance of providing residents with safe and accessible places to gather, enjoy the outdoors, and participate in healthy, recreational activities.

Our park system now includes more than 400 parks on over 34,000 acres of parkland. Park facilities and amenities include more than 500 lakes, ponds and stormwater management facilities and devices, 457 miles of streams, 305 tennis courts, 296 athletic fields, 289 playgrounds, 208 basketball courts, 189 miles of paved and natural surface trails, 114 picnic areas, 110 historic structures, 102 campsites, and 31 park activity buildings, as well as nature centers, miniature trains, indoor tennis facilities, boat rental facilities, indoor and open air ice rinks, event centers, public gardens, and more.

Vision

An enjoyable, accessible, safe and green park system that promotes a strong sense of community through shared spaces and experiences and is treasured by the people it serves.

Mission

Protect and interpret our valuable natural and cultural resources; balance the demand for recreation with the need for conservation; offer a variety of enjoyable recreational activities that encourage healthy lifestyles; and provide clean, safe, and accessible places for leisure-time activities.

Values

Stewardship: Manage the county park system so it best meets the needs of current and future generations.

Recreation: Offer a range of leisure activities that strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, and renew the spirit.

Excellence: Deliver the highest quality product, service and experience possible.

Integrity: Operate with an objective, honest, and balanced perspective.

Service: Be courteous, helpful and accessible to each other and the public we serve.

Education: Promote opportunities for continuous learning among staff and the public we serve.

Collaboration: Work in cooperation with all stakeholders including residents, communities, public and private organizations, and policymakers, as well as interdepartmentally.

Diversity: Support and embrace the differences among our employees and the public we serve, and offer suitable programs, activities and services.

Dedication: Commit to getting the job done the right way, no matter what it takes.