When will construction start and how long will it last?
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the August/September 2007 timeframe. This project will take 2 to 3 months to complete, weather permitting.
What about construction noise?
Rockville requires all contractors to follow Montgomery County’s Noise Ordinance. Normal work hours are from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Working on Saturday is only allowed if approved by the Public Works Department.
Can the trees along the asphalt path be moved and transplanted?
The subject trees are between 7 and 10-inches in diameter which are at the upper limits for moving and transplanting. Due to the cost and unknown survivability, we are recommending that new trees be planted to replace these existing willow oaks.
Will access to the park be restricted during construction?
During the storm drain construction, access to Maryvale park from Crabb Avenue will be restricted. It is anticipated that the Crabb Avenue entrance will be closed for about 3 to 5 weeks. Following the completion of the storm drain, temporary park access will be provided from Crabb Avenue for the remainder of the project.
How much will this project cost?
Project costs are estimated at $800,000. Once the design is completed, the estimated costs will be revised. Construction money is available in the City’s current budget.
How deep is the pond?
The pond has been designed to have a permanent pool or a constant water level. Water will be maintained at about a 1.5-foot depth. During storm events, the maximum depth of water will rise to 10-feet and slowly drain down to the 1.5-foot depth. Typically, it will take 24 hours to drain down the to the permanent pool elevation.
Will the pond be fenced?
The pond will not be fenced. A 10-foot wide “safety bench” has been designed around the permanent pool and slopes will incorporate a gentle slope. A safety bench is a 10-foot wide flat area that will surround the permanent pool. The safety bench is intended to provide a landing area to prevent people from slipping down a slope and into a pond. City policy is that ponds are not fenced.
What park amenities or improvements have been completed or are being proposed?
- The existing ball field is being converted to an elevated multi-purpose field, which will be more versatile;
- A new drainage system is being proposed to help drain the areas along the foot path where the former playground was located;
- Last fall the decking on the foot bridge was replaced and two dead pine trees were removed;
- Minor repairs were completed to address the wash out that occurs from the top of McArthur Boulevard;
- New playground equipment was installed last year;
- A significant amount of brush was cleaned out and removed from the section in front of the homes on Taylor Ave;
- The parking pad off of First Street was improved;
- The stream buffer was planted with a new row of trees;
- In 2004, an Eagle Scout installed a raised planting bed in at the entrance off of First Street.
What and how much new landscaping is being proposed?
Currently, the landscaping plans have 22 new shade trees, 7 evergreen trees, 3 ornamentals and 66
shrubs. There is also 0.16 acres of afforestation, which is approximately 22 additional trees. The stormwater pond is seeded with a wildlife mix.
What is being done to protect the stream in the park?
Public Works has hired a consultant who specializes in stream restoration. Stream restoration is the study, design and construction of stream channels and banks that is natural and stable. The goal is to minimize erosion, create aquatic habitat, build a cross section that will safely convey expected flows and create opportunities for vegetation. Restoration is planned for about 100-feet of the stream where the new storm drain pipes will empty into the stream
What about mosquitoes in the pond?
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so a goal of this project is to eliminate areas in the park that have standing water. Currently, there are low-lying areas in the existing stormwater management facility where stagnant, standing water are present. Standing water will be addressed by routing or diverting 100% of the base stream flow into and through the pond. The existing storm drain system through the park conveys a stream which maintains a base flow (constantly running water). Routing the stream through the pond will keep the water moving and prevent stagnation. The new facility will eliminate the existing standing water and reduce the opportunity for breeding mosquitoes.
Are the changes to Maryvale Park already decided? Can we add or modify the park features and park facilities?
We are looking for input and comments. Due to space constraints, the pond and field dimensions are set. Opportunities still exist for additional features, landscaping, amenities and facilities within the park.
Has the comment period ended for design?
The deadline for commenting on the Maryvale project is Friday, June 8, 2007.
How will this design address the flooding that occurs in the park? Will this project prevent flooding in Crabb Avenue and Longwood intersection?
Two projects are currently being designed to address flooding, the Longwood Storm Drain Upgrade (street flooding) and Maryvale Stormwater and Park Improvements (park flooding). The Longwood project will upgrade pipes on City property to prevent the frequent street flooding. The Maryvale project will replace an existing 42-inch pipe with dual 48-inch pipes. These existing storm drain pipes are both undersized and do not meet current design standards. These projects will help minimize flooding, but in the event of larger storms, such as the storms in late June 2006, flooding will still occur but the frequency and intensity of these events will be reduced.
I am concerned about security in the park. What can be done to eliminate the drug activity in the park?
The police department will continue to monitor the park through daily patrols as much as possible
and practical. The Tactical Patrol Unit that works out of the Satellite Office at the Lincoln Park Recreation center will make a concerted effort to watch the park as well.
The Police department needs and encourages the support of the community in helping to watch over
the parkland. If anyone sees anything suspicious, they should immediately call the police to report the incident. If the citizen calling could provide as much specific information as possible, such as: the location of the suspicious activity (example: Inside the gazebo area) how many people (example: “ there are about seven teenage males”) type of activity (example:” they are all standing around and it appears to be that they are passing some sort of pipe around”) and as much detail in the description of the subjects as possible (example:” I can see that three of them are wearing black colored t-shirts and jeans, with the one passing the pipe around is wearing a red colored knit cap).
What was discussed at the Saturday, March 31 meeting in the park?
a. How the existing stormwater facility operates
b. Standing water and mosquitoes in the park
c. Drug and crime activity that is present throughout the park
d. Upcoming ERCA meetings
e. Outreach and community involvement
f. The increased need to inform those residents who back up to the park
g. How will the stream be protected.
h. How will the improvements address the flooding conditions during rain events.
If I have questions about this project, whom should I contact?
John W. Hollida. Public Works Engineer. 240-314-8526. jhollida@rockvillemd.gov
Diane Fasolina. Parks Maintenance Supervisor. 240-314-8711. dfasolina@rockvillemd.gov
