Private Project: Magruder Branch Hiker-Biker Trail Extension
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Description
The Magruder Branch Stream Valley Park is located in Damascus, Maryland, and runs parallel to, and west of Woodfield Road from Watkins Mill Road to downtown Damascus. A paved trail currently extends from Damascus Recreational Park to Valley Park Drive. This project examines the feasibility of extending the existing 3.1-mile trail to the Damascus Town Center and prepares a 30% design and cost estimate for the complete project.
Status
Three alternative alignments for the trail extension were prepared for review and were presented at the public meeting on October 27, 2005. All three alignments take a similar route north of Bethesda Church Road, and follow the existing (unpaved) trails that run parallel to the stream. The alignments differ in the area south of Bethesda Church Road. Alignments 1and 2 run along the east and west banks of the stream, respectively. Alignment 3 runs through the higher grounds adjacent to Damascus High School. At the public meeting, Alignment 2 was chosen as the preferred alternative.
The new trail would include site amenities, such as benches, a kiosk, and storm water management. Parking for the trail would be available on street at Valley Park Drive, Bethesda Church Road, and at the existing Park and Ride Lot at the intersection of Main Street and Woodfield Road.
Background
The existing Magruder Branch Hiker Biker Trail was completed in 1994 and extends from Damascus Recreational Park to Valley Park Drive. At the time of its construction, the M-NCPPC did not own the land necessary to extend the trail to the town center. Since that time, the Commission has acquired the land necessary to extend the trail to the Damascus Town Center as originally envisioned.
M-NCPPC Staff Contact
Peter Noursi
Peter.Noursi@M-NCPPC-mc.org
301-495-2465
Opportunities for Public Participation
The public can contact the Project Manager with comments and suggestions, and will have the opportunity to comment on the project when it is presented to the Planning Board.
Planning Board Action
This project will presented to the Planning Board on October 4, 2007.
Date
of last page update: September 25, 2007
