RedGate Park and Arboretum Master Plan
RedGate Park and Arboretum is an approximately 130-acre site located in the City of Rockville at the intersection of Norbeck Road and Avery Road. Formerly a golf course, the site is currently enjoyed by the community for events and predominantly passive uses. Beginning in early 2021, the city led the planning process for the development of the RedGate Park and Arboretum Master Plan that could be implemented in phases over time. The master plan process was informed by public input, assessment of existing conditions and the clubhouse, a cost analysis, and guidance by the Mayor and Council.
The park is envisioned to be predominantly passive and emphasize natural habitat and pathway enhancements throughout. Passive areas of the park represent approximately 90% of the total park acreage. In addition to the existing parking lot and entry drive, the central park area will include features and amenities interwoven with the natural habitat areas, including a new visitor center, community gardens, picnic area, playground, dog park, and amphitheater with an associated deck overlook.
Over time, the entire park will be developed as an arboretum to feature arboretum plant and tree specimens and collections. Interpretive signage will be integrated into natural environments and park features with access along the pathway network.
Project Funding
In 2025, the City of Rockville received a $1.5 million grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, along with a $1.5 million city match, to support a playground, meadow restoration, community gardens, picnic tables, signage, and trash cans at RedGate Park and Arboretum, consistent with the RedGate Park Master Plan. The work includes utilities, grading, excavation, and all infrastructure needed to complete the amenities for public use.
In addition, the city received a $2 million Program Open Space grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, along with a $500,000 city match, to support implementation of the RedGate Park Master Plan. The grant funds improvements across approximately six acres, including the design and construction of three picnic pavilions, completion of a dog park, a restroom facility, paths, tables, benches, and trash receptacles. The work also includes utilities, grading, excavation, and all infrastructure needed to complete the amenities for public use.
Project Phases
As the first step in implementing the master plan, the City of Rockville hired A. Morton Thomas and Associates to perform a natural resource inventory for the park. This included identifying and surveying over 1,300 individual trees, classifying shrubs, groundcover, and non-native invasive plants, and delineating wetlands and other unique features of the park. This information will be utilized in the final design of the park and arboretum.
The City of Rockville received grant funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to plant more than 2,500 native trees and shrubs at two reforestation sites outlined in the master plan. The plantings include a variety of native species, such as red maple, tulip tree, river birch, sycamore, hickory, and oak. To protect the young plants from deer and other wildlife, deer protection fencing was installed. The city will also provide ongoing care and maintenance to ensure the long-term health and growth of the new trees and shrubs.
This project funds design and construction of the infrastructure and amenities within the park. This project will be implemented in phases, with design expected to start in January 2026 and construction for Phase 1 scheduled to start in summer 2027.
Contact
Eric Grieshaber
Recreation and Parks Department
240-314-8609
egrieshaber@rockvillemd.gov
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.