Charles R. Loehr, Director of Park and Planning
Montgomery County Department of Park & Planning
The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
8787 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Dear Mr. Loehr,

The condition of the parks in and around the Rock Creek Hills community (e.g., Rock Creek Regional Park between Connecticut Avenue and Jones Mill Road, Rock Creek Hills Park, and the park land east of Kensington Parkway, north of Rock Creek Regional Park) was discussed at the May 13th meeting of the Rock Creek Hills Citizens' Association (RCHCA). Specific maintenance issues discussed included: lack of mowing, removal of trash cans from the parks, and the lack of pet waste bags in Rock Creek Regional Park.

We acknowledge current budgetary limits being placed on the Department of Park & Planning. Our members feel, however, that the current lack of maintenance is reducing the usefulness of the parks, wasting resources, and potentially creating public health risks.

· Lack of maintenance (mowing in particular) is reducing the usefulness of the parks by reducing the area that can be used.
· Lack of maintenance is allowing evasive species to destroy trees and shrubs in the parks. Several recently planted trees in the neighboring parks are at risk.
· Public health is at risk from both the lack of mowing and the removal of trash receptacles from the parks. The lack of mowing increases the presence of and associated risks presented by mosquitoes and ticks, which are more prevalent in high grass. The removal of trash receptacles from the parks has resulted in more litter in the parks and the associated health risks.
· Many pet owners appreciate and rely on the availability of pet waste bags in the parks. With the reduced availability of pet waste bags, we are seeing more pet waste left in the parks, which presents both aesthetic as well as potential health risks.

RCHCA would like to work with you to ensure that the parks are safe and enjoyable, and look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Mike Baker
Secretary
10001 Stoneybrook Drive
Kensington, MD 20895
301 589-1348