Parks & Recreation

Matthew henson trail

This beautiful trail, named for Maryland-born Arctic explorer Matthew Henson, runs through both the North and South sections of SBP, between Georgia Avenue and Layhill Road. Henson accompanied Robert Peary on seven Arctic expeditions and was the first African American to reach the North Pole as part of the 1909 expedition credited with its discovery. Montgomery County named the surrounding park in his honor in 1989, preserving the natural stream valley as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

The main entry points from SBP are along Rippling Brook Drive, which the trail crosses. The creek along the Matthew Henson Trail is part of the North Branch watershed and provides a beautiful natural habitat for a wide variety of local wildlife. Deer, foxes, and many species of birds can be spotted along the trail, making it a favorite destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Neighbors enjoy the trail year-round for walking, biking, bird watching, and group walks. The peaceful landscape also provides a beautiful natural backdrop to both The Barrie School and Bel Pre Elementary, connecting our community with the surrounding woods, creek, and wildlife.

Just west of the Rippling Brook Drive entrance, keep an eye out for a special piece of neighborhood artwork: a beautiful mural painted on the back of a neighbor’s shed featuring Rachel Carson and her groundbreaking book, Silent Spring. Carson lived in Silver Spring from 1956 until her death in 1964, and wrote Silent Spring here in 1962. The book brought national attention to the harmful effects of pesticides on wildlife and ecosystems and helped spark the modern environmental movement.

It’s a fitting piece of art to discover along a trail surrounded by the very kind of natural habitat Carson worked to protect—and a wonderful reminder of Silver Spring’s own connection to her legacy.

strathmore local park

Located next to Strathmore Elementary School, Strathmore Local Park is a 13-acre community park offering something for everyone. M-NCPPC acquired the park in 1971, and a major renovation was completed in summer 2024, bringing improvements to the soccer field, courts, and playground.

The park features a loop path, playground, soccer field and court, basketball court, fitness station, picnic area with shelter and grills, portable toilets, and onsite parking—making it a popular spot for recreation, play, and gathering with neighbors.

Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Location: 3210 Beaverwood Lane
Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible

Georgian Forest Park

Georgian Forest Park is an 8.2-acre community park offering plenty of opportunities for recreation, play, and gathering. M-NCPPC acquired the park in 1968, and today it features a playground, softball field, two lighted tennis courts, two lighted basketball courts, and a tennis practice wall.

The park also includes a picnic shelter with a grill, water fountain, and open space for casual recreation, making it a convenient neighborhood spot for sports, family outings, and time outdoors.

Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Lighted Courts close at 11 pm
Location: 2720 Silverdale Drive
Picnic shelter: Reservations are first-come, first-served and are available to rent from April 1 to October 31 — More Info