Update on new B-CC middle school planned for the site of Rock Creek Hills Park

Dear neighbors,

Today a crew from the Parks Department removed some swings from the playground in Rock Creek Hills Park, so that they can be re-used elsewhere. The park is slated to close permanently; groundbreaking for the new school is now scheduled for August 20th.

As you may know, county Planning Board staff expressed concern about safety hazards in the site plan, and proposed a solution; we testified in support of their recommendation at the Mandatory Referral hearing in March (see postscript). Unfortunately, these efforts to improve safety have so far not resulted in substantive changes. However, since the conclusion of litigation, in response to Dr. Zuckerman’s letter to the community, a group of RCH parents has met with MCPS officials to address issues of pedestrian safety and traffic planning/circulation; they are working with MCPS to explore options that would improve site and building functionality.

With best regards,
Jim Pekar
President, Rock Creek Hills Citizens’ Association

P.S. https://rchca.org/2015/04/02/march-26-planning-board-meeting-update/