Did you know that wherever you are in Montgomery County, you are never more than 2 miles away from a park?

Montgomery Parks’ mission is to 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.

Parks Improve…

Mental and Physical Health

Spending time in nature provides a whole host of benefits that improve your physical and mental health. Exposure to greenspaces can lower stress levels, decrease blood pressure, and even boost your motivation to exercise. A 2019 study found that spending 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and well-being.

If you need more reasons to explore Montgomery Parks, read the 2021 feature story, The Wellness Benefits of the Great Outdoors, on the USDA Forest Service website. Learn how greenspaces beneficially connect you to friends, families and neighbors in your community.

The Economy

The Economic Impact of Parks report issued in 2023 by the National Recreation and Park Association, in partnership with the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, demonstrates the profound effect of local parks and recreational agencies’ capital spending and operations.

Economic Impact in MD
Labor Income: $1,054,928,798
Employment (jobs): 18,336
Economic Activity (Transactions): $3,090,438,029

The Environment

The park system actively manages more than 29,000 natural acres for environmental preservation, contributing greatly to Montgomery County’s environmental health. In 2018, the Montgomery Parks Arboriculture Section released a summary of data and benefits of 24,796 trees inventoried and found the ecological benefits provided by the trees saved the county $2,145,042.

The forests and trees found within the 421 parks help reduce the effects of climate change through the absorption and retention of carbon dioxide (CO²⁾. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO² produced by a car driven 26,000 miles.”

At-a-Glance

Montgomery County Parks

419

Total number of parks

37,768

Total acres of parkland

278

Total natural and paved surface trails (miles)

600

Total stream length (miles)

Discover more Montgomery Parks’ system highlights in the Green Tree Report as of January 2024.

Park Budget

$148 million

Adopted Operating Budget FY2024

for acquisition

$47.9 million

Capital Improvements Program FY2023-2028

for development

$246.3 million

Capital Improvements Program FY2023-2028

Learn More About Montgomery Parks Foundation

Current Projects

Our projects strengthen the community, provide educational resources, and create greater stewardship within the parks.

Josiah Henson Museum & Park

Josiah Henson Museum & Park tells the story about the life and challenges of Reverend Josiah Henson,… Learn More

SEED Classroom

Black Hill Nature Programs is committed to building community around Black Hill Regional Park and plans to do so for years to come. Learn More

Ongoing Initiatives

The Marye Wells-Harley Dream Camp Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for children and teens to attend the Montgomery Parks’ summer camp of their choice. Learn More

Partner Projects

The Montgomery Parks Foundation collaborates with members of community-led park projects that directly benefit our incredible park system. Learn More

Nature Center Programs

Nature Centers Black Hill Discovery Center Black Hill… Learn More