Montgomery Parks Foundation announced Thursday that $85,000 in grants will be awarded to support art initiatives and programming for seniors and teens around the county.
The five grants will support a new mural installed on the Park Activity Building in Silver Spring, oak tree carvings transformed and preserved by artists, a program introducing young people to county parks’ trail system and mountain biking and support for seniors and teens programming.
Grant recipients have one year to execute the projects.
The oak tree carvings will join the Linden Oak artistic bench, which was supported by a 2023 Montgomery Parks Foundation grant.
The Linden Oak — once the largest white oak in the county — was cut down in July 2023 after standing 300 years to prevent a potential safety hazard. Chainsaw artist Colin Vale transformed the tree into an art installation, carving intricate details including a buffalo and an acorn sprouting oak leaves. The sculpture now stands at Kensington Park.
“We know park visitors and program participants will really enjoy the new amenities and opportunities afforded by these grants,” Katie Rictor, executive director of the Montgomery Parks Foundation said in a press release.
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