Montgomery County Committees to Review $165M Recreation Projects, New Western Facility

Proposed capital improvements include a new $21.7M recreation center and renovations to 11 other facilities.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:05am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of people enjoying recreational activities in a community center, with soft, warm-toned colors and a blurred, out-of-focus effect creating a sense of atmosphere and emotion.The proposed recreation projects aim to enhance community facilities and services, providing residents with more opportunities to stay active and engaged.Poolesville Today

The Montgomery County Council's Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) and Health and Human Services (HHS) Committees will meet on April 6 to review proposed elements of the Fiscal Year 2027–2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), including a $21.7 million plan for a new Western County Recreation Center in Poolesville and a broader $165 million recreation CIP covering 12 projects across the county.

Why it matters

The proposed recreation projects represent a significant investment in community facilities and services, reflecting the county's commitment to providing high-quality recreational opportunities for residents. The Western County Recreation Center in particular aims to serve the needs of Poolesville and surrounding communities in the western part of the county.

The details

The $21.7 million Western County Recreation Center project is expected to begin design in FY28 and be completed by FY31. The broader $165 million recreation CIP covers 12 projects, including renovations, asset replacements, and a new natural grass field at North Potomac Community Center. Cost increases are largely attributed to rising expenses for facility and outdoor pool refurbishments.

  • The joint PHP and HHS Committee will meet on Monday, April 6 at 1:45 p.m. to review the Western County Recreation Center project.
  • At 2:15 p.m. on April 6, the PHP Committee will review the FY27-32 CIP for 11 additional recreation projects.

The players

Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee

A Montgomery County Council committee that will review the proposed recreation projects.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee

A Montgomery County Council committee that will review the proposed Western County Recreation Center project.

Andrew Friedson

Chair of the PHP Committee.

Natali Fani-González

Council President and member of the PHP Committee.

Will Jawando

Councilmember and member of the PHP Committee.

Laurie-Anne Sayles

Chair of the HHS Committee.

Dawn Luedtke

Councilmember and member of the HHS Committee.

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What’s next

The joint PHP and HHS Committee will decide on Monday whether to approve the proposed $21.7 million Western County Recreation Center project, and the PHP Committee will review the broader $165 million recreation CIP.

The takeaway

These proposed recreation projects demonstrate Montgomery County's commitment to investing in community facilities and services, with a focus on addressing the needs of residents in the western part of the county through the new Western County Recreation Center.