A newly-renovated White Oak Athletic Field reopened to frisbee, soccer, baseball and other games Sunday.
A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on the field, which is located next to White Oak Community Recreation Center on 1700 April Lane in Silver Spring.
Montgomery Parks, @MoCoRec, @MoCoCouncilMD, ,athletes and other guests today cut the ribbon for the White Oak Communty Recreation Center athletic field.
The project is a partnership which began in summer 2020. Parks’ turf team renovated the field. pic.twitter.com/y7iUTSlmq7
— Montgomery Parks (@MontgomeryParks) June 6, 2021
The renovations included better draining soils, shorter turf grass height, improved field consistency and overall improved sustainability. The project involved removal of debris and rocks before the renovation work could begin, which included improving the soil, removing two backstops, adding irrigation and a sandy loam topsoil with laser grading and a top rated bermudagrass, according to a news release.
During the ribbon cutting, Council President Tom Hucker said, “White Oak and East County residents deserve first-class recreational facilities like the rest of the County. For years, I have worked collaboratively with community leaders to improve recreational facilities. The newly renovated White Oak athletic field will not only be a great space for sporting events, but it will serve as a location that brings the community together.”
Also attending were Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz, Hans Riemer and Will Jawando; Delegate Lorig Charkoudian; Chair Montgomery County Planning Board Casey Anderson; Deputy Director of Montgomery Parks John Nissel; County Executive Special Assistant Dale Tibbitts; Montgomery County Department of Recreation Director Robin Riley; Community Use of Public Facilities Director Ramona Bell-Pearson and community members.
“We are so pleased to be able to provide this state-of-the-art athletic field for the community to enjoy,” Nissel said. “We know the renovation will be a great benefit for the kids and families who rely on this field as a hub of activity, exercise and socializing. What a great investment for the future.”
Added Riley, “The opening of this beautifully renovated field could not come at a better time. With more people vaccinated and summer underway, it is the perfect time to get outside and play ball,” He also said, “I am grateful for the support of our County Council and to Montgomery Parks for turning this field into a first-rate community amenity.”
Thrilled to celebrate the long-needed, much awaited opening of the new, natural surface, athletic fields at the White Oak Rec Center. Thanks to community member advocates, @MontgomeryParks, @MoCoRec, @MoCoCouncilMD & County leadership for making this a reality. pic.twitter.com/fbDfBB179O
— Lorig Charkoudian (@LCharkoudian) June 7, 2021
It feels great to see the kids back on the fields after the White Oak Athletic field opening. Big thanks to @MontgomeryParks and @MoCoCouncilMD. pic.twitter.com/lcubGsDdRs
— Montgomery County Recreation (@MoCoRec) June 6, 2021
