The City of Rockville is evaluating stormwater management (SWM) pond concepts for the College Gardens sub-watershed.  The City is working with representatives from the College Gardens Civic Association, Plymouth Woods Homeowners Association, Montgomery County Public Schools and other affected stakeholders to identify feasible pond locations, configurations and options to best balance active recreation needs, tree preservation, and environmental protection.  Residents also may attend several community-wide meetings to see the SWM concepts under consideration and offer feedback.  

As part of this project, the Mayor and Council asked City staff and the community to assess a new layout for College Gardens Park based on an expanded pond and modernized park features.  Rockville’s Department of Recreation and Parks has mailed a survey to local residents asking about desired activities and recreation features in College Gardens Park.  Based on the results, the City will work with engineering and landscape architect consultants and the community representatives to develop several park layouts for discussion.

The City has hired Charles P. Johnson and Associates to provide civil engineering and surveying services.  In April, land surveyors will visit College Gardens Park and adjacent residential lots to record topographic elevations and tree locations.  Later in the spring, geotechnical engineers will take soil samples in the park with light truck-based boring equipment.  After mapping is completed, plans showing variations on SWM ponds and park features will be shared with community representatives and residents for discussion.  No construction is proposed at this time. 

News about the SWM Concept Study and notice of upcoming meetings will be posted by the end of April on the City's Web site at www.rockvillemd.gov.   Questions about the public process may be directed to Marylou Berg in the City Manager’s Office at 240-314-8501 or via email at Mberg@rockvillemd.gov.  If you have technical questions, please contact Lise Soukup, a Rockville Civil Engineer II, at 240-314-8515 or via email at Lsoukup@rockvillemd.gov.