Correction: The original story stated that the park was named after a nearby historic black community named Pleasant View. The park is in fact named after the historic Pleasant View site, located in Quince Orchard.
Pleasant View Park, the City of Gaithersburg’s 30th park, is now open after nearly three years of construction. The park, open from dawn to dusk, is located at the former Consumer Product Safety Commission site at 10901 Darnestown Rd.
Measuring at 9.54 acres, the park features Gaithersburg’s first community garden, a pump track, outdoor fitness equipment and a rocket ship-themed playground. For those wishing to visit, the park’s entrance has a Ride-On bus stop, as well as nearly 60 parking spaces.
The park also features dozens of different species of trees, shrubbery and grass, including both perennial and annual varieties. They still need to establish some areas of grass however according to a Gaithersburg press release. They have also scheduled to replant more trees in the fall.
Named after the nearby Pleasant View historic site, the park reflects both the history of the area along with its natural beauty. Originally purchased in 1868, Pleasant View is comprised of both the Pleasant View Methodist Church and cemetery, and former Quince Orchard Colored School, according to Rev. Gerard A. Green.
“The park’s name serves as a bridge between our past and present, honoring the legacy of the diverse Quince Orchard community and the Pleasant View site that was so central to the lives of its African American residents,” said Green.
Green also thanked State Delegate Ryan Spiegel for his devotion to naming the park out of respect for the site.
“This has been a passion project of mine for about a decade. And it’s my honor to have proposed the name to honor a historic Black community,” said Spiegel.
Photos by Benicio Balignot
More information about the project can be found on the City of Gaithersburg’s website.
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