Action Alert: Speak up for Trails at the Montgomery County Capital Budget Hearings
The Montgomery County Executive just released his 2027-2032 capital budget proposal, and it badly shortchanges trails and parks. The executive proposal to increase the Parks capital budget by only $30,000 over six years would mean:
- NO increase for natural surface trail development and maintenance
- Funding for the Wheaton Action Sports Park eliminated
- Erosion of the Parks Department’s ability to maintain its facilities in usable condition
This is a tough budget, but the County Executive has found room to increase overall levels of capital spending by more than 10 percent! The County Council can fix this - but only if they hear from you.
These public hearings are your chance to tell your elected officials that trails and parks matter! You can sign up to testify in person or virtually at a public hearing or send a written testimony.
Sign up to testify in person of virtually
When: February 9 & 10, 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. on both days
Where: County Office Building (100 Maryland Ave. Rockville, MD) or via Zoom
Sign up:
- February 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- February 9, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- February 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- February 10, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Submit a written testimony
Contact the council through this form. Under “who would you like to contact,” select all council members by holding the shift key and selecting everyone in the list.
_____________
Sample testimony
Council members, I'm [Name], here about the Parks capital budget.
I know that budgets are tight, but the County Executive’s proposal would add more than 10 percent to the capital budget while adding essentially nothing for parks.
The Planning Board's request to increase the natural surface trails budget by $200,000 a year represents the smartest investment you can make in our park system. It might sound like a lot, but this capital budget will add hundreds of millions for schools, tens of millions for new police stations, and dozens of projects in every area of county government. Parks and trails are a bargain.
[INSERT PERSONAL STORY: Which trails do you use? How do trails connect your neighborhood to parks? What new connections would you like to see?]
Thanks to Council support, trails funding has grown over the past decade, delivering incredible returns. Trails cost a fraction of traditional park facilities while serving more users across all demographics. At just $5,000 per mile, trails are the most cost-effective way to improve park access and connect neighborhoods.
The Planning Board's request for $1 million annually - a $200,000 increase - would:
- Connect more neighborhoods to parks through trail corridors
- Build sustainable trails that protect our watersheds
- Create youth mountain biking opportunities
- Leverage thousands of volunteer hours from groups like MORE
I also want to express my support for the Wheaton Action Sports Park. This Council has recognized that East County deserves the same investments as the rest of the county, and this project is a critical investment in delivering on that promise.
You've supported trails before because you recognize their value. Please don't stop now. Fund trails at $1 million a year and restore the Wheaton Action Sports Park.
Talking Points
These key themes may help guide your emails or testimony:
- Current trails budget: $800,000/year for 200+ miles
- Planning Board recommended budget: $1 million/year ($200,000 more)
- Return on investment: More users per dollar of ANY park amenity
- The Planning Board's modest request would allow Parks to:
- Extend trail connections to neighborhoods in underserved areas
- Create NICA-ready youth racing loops
- Improve the quality and sustainability of existing trails to serve mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians