News – Friends of Willard Avenue Park

Friendship Heights Urban Design Study findings released

The Friendship Heights Urban Design Study analyzes how people experience the open spaces, pedestrian and transit networks, activity centers and public life in Friendship Heights today. The study includes a significant community engagement component and is focused on the urban design strengths and needs of this cross-jurisdictional transit-oriented community. The study generally focuses on the area within the 1998 Friendship Heights Sector Plan boundary but also considers the surrounding neighborhood context on all sides.

“In July 2023, staff presented the scope of work to the Planning Board. Engagement took place throughout the fall, with two open house events, numerous community meetings, pop-ups and an online questionnaire. Staff presented draft findings to the Planning Board in March 2024.”In July 2023, staff presented the scope of work to the Planning Board. Engagement took place throughout the fall, with two open house events, numerous community meetings, pop-ups and an online questionnaire. Staff presented draft findings to the Planning Board in March 2024.”

To read the final report, go to

https://montgomeryplanning.org/planning/communities/downcounty/friendship-heights/friendship-heights-urban-design-study

Bungalow Demolition In Works

The Parks Department has boarded the windows of the 1918 Jacob Horne bungalow at the corner of Willard and River Road. Once permits have been issued, it will be demolished to enhance the River Road entrance of the Willard Avenue Neighborhood Park.

Parks also owns the nearby brick house, but no plans for its removal are finalized.

Willard Avenue Park Stream Cleanup April 15

“Every year, Little Falls Watershed Alliance joins forces with the Alice Ferguson Foundation to help clean the entire Potomac River watershed. Hundreds and hundreds of pounds of trash will be pulled out of the River and its tributaries and feeder creeks.

“Come for an hour or two, come on time, come late, leave early or stay the entire time – whatever suits your schedule is perfect for us. We have bags and gloves to share. Come prepared to get muddy! Bring grabbers if you have some to reach trash in trees and other hard to get spots.”Come for an hour or two, come on time, come late, leave early or stay the entire time – whatever suits your schedule is perfect for us. We have bags and gloves to share. Come prepared to get muddy! Bring grabbers if you have some to reach trash in trees and other hard to get spots.

“Pre-approved for SSL hours for MCPS. Children under 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisor.

Saturday, April 15, 2023 10:00 AM 1:00 PM

“Willard Avenue Neighborhood Park (Willard Avenue and River Road). Park on Willard Avenue or in the small parking lot off RIver. At this site, we will be focusing on the Little Falls creek between the Somerset Pool and River Road as well as the sidewalk along River Road and Willard Avenue.”