For Immediate Release: Monday, October 2, 2023
From the Offices of Councilmembers Luedtke and Sayles
The County is discussing building a new recreation center in Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village. Tomorrow night, Oct. 3, from 7-9 p.m. at Montgomery Village Middle School, Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke and Laurie-Anne Sayles will be joined by community leaders, residents, and organizations to discuss the vision for a recreation center. There will be food and beverages provided. Students who attend will be eligible for SSL hours.
“The County is committed to providing an enriching amenity for the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village communities, where there is a high need for investment in our residents, with a particular focus on our youth,” said Councilmember Sayles. “During the ‘Stop the Violence’ town hall held in July at Germantown Library, a consistent need that came up was for there to be more space where residents could live, learn, work, and play. Communities with convenient access to recreation space and opportunities have proven economic success and well-being.”
“The need for indoor recreation and community space in the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village area is one of the top priorities we’ve heard from constituents,” Councilmember Luedtke said. “This community meeting is an opportunity for residents to give their input on what they envision in a future potential community center. I look forward to hearing these ideas and continuing to work with other County officials, municipal leaders, and local property owners to make this vision a reality.”
Councilmember Luedtke and Councilmember Sayles recently joined District 3 Councilmember Sidney Katz and At-Large Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz, Will Jawando, and Council President Evan Glass to send a letter to the property owner of Lakeforest Mall requesting they include a community center in their planned redevelopment project. The project is going through an extensive review process with the City of Gaithersburg.
Many County leaders and organizations will attend the town hall, including the Department of Recreation, which will be co-sponsoring the event.
“We are looking forward to engaging with the community and hearing about their ideas for a recreation space," said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. "Our centers have many great services and resources and opportunities for our residents to enjoy. Their participation in planning for programming and facility interests is crucial to ensuring we're meeting the needs of our communities. Thank you to Councilmembers Luedtke and Sayles for putting together this town hall."
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Release ID: 23-317