NPS - National Park Service

11/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/13/2024 09:18

National Park Service Seeks Public Input on Glen Echo Park Management Plan Amendment

Date:
November 12, 2024
Contact: Christopher Hershey , 703-289-2508

GLEN ECHO, Md. - The National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to participate in the first phase of the Glen Echo Park Management Plan Amendment. This initiative will guide future development and programming at Glen Echo Park, a historic arts and cultural landmark located in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Virtual Public Meeting Scheduled for December 4, 2024
As part of the public scoping process, the NPS will host a virtual public meeting on December 4, 2024. The meeting will kick off a 45-day public comment period, during which stakeholders, community members, and park visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts on potential improvements to the park. The proposed updates will address the growing demand for arts and cultural programming, as well as issues related to accessibility, circulation, and sustainability.

The goal of the amendment is to ensure Glen Echo Park continues to thrive as a premier center for arts, culture, and education. As NPS plans for the future, it is essential to hear from the public to ensure that community needs are met while preserving the park's rich history.

Key Areas of Focus:

Expanding Programming: The NPS is exploring options to increase the park's capacity for additional arts and cultural programming, ensuring diverse communities are served.

Accessibility Improvements: Proposals will address necessary upgrades to make the park more accessible, including ADA-compliant entrances and pathways.

Sustainability Initiatives: The plan will consider measures to enhance stormwater management, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, ensuring the park's future resilience.

Wayfinding and Circulation: Addressing challenges with signage and access routes to improve how visitors navigate the park.

How to Participate:

Virtual Public Meeting: The meeting will take place online on December 4, 2024, from 6:30PM EST to 8:00PM EST. A link and passcode to join the virtual public meeting can be found below. Please note that no registration is required.

Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87529887115?pwd=7H3GZeDczqMu2LszhasIXJwNuDolDH.1
Meeting ID: 875 2988 7115
Passcode: 873973

Public Comment Period: From December 4, 2024, through January 24, 2025, the NPS will be accepting public comments on the proposed amendments. Comments can be submitted online at ParkPlanning - Glen Echo Park EA or by mail to the address below:

ATTN: Superintendent
Glen Echo Park General Management Plan Amendment
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean, VA 22101

The public's input will help shape the future of Glen Echo Park, ensuring it remains a vibrant cultural hub while addressing community needs and environmental sustainability. We encourage everyone with an interest in the park to participate in this important process.

For more information, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.

About Glen Echo Park:

Glen Echo Park, managed by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture (GEPPAC), is a historic site with deep cultural roots. From its origins as a Chautauqua retreat to its transformation into an amusement park and its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, Glen Echo Park has evolved into a thriving center for the arts, welcoming visitors from all walks of life.

About the National Park Service:

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.