Contact: Sue Tucker, 240-777-6530 or
Gail Nachman, 240-777-1274

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2002

County, State and Federal Elected Officials
Break Ground for Glen Echo Park Renovations

Montgomery County and state officials gathered today to break ground at Glen Echo Park for the third phase of the $19 million project to stabilize and rehabilitate the existing structures. Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan and Council President Steven A. Silverman were joined by U.S. Senators Barbara Mikulski and Paul Sarbanes, U.S. Congresswoman Constance A. Morella, and Terry Carlstrom, Regional Director of the National Capital Region of the National Park Service.

"We are here today to celebrate with the community the third phase of the rehabilitation of Glen Echo Park," said Duncan. "Through the cooperative efforts that we have forged with the state and federal government, as well as the Park Service and the community, Glen Echo is well on its way to being restored to the national treasure that many of us remember it being."

Glen Echo Park opened more than a century ago as a National Chautauqua Assembly. In the 1930s it was transformed into a local amusement park, and it presently exists as a park for cultural and arts programs. The General Services Administration took ownership of the park in 1970, and it has been under the care of the National Park Service (NPS) since 1971. However, due to budget limitations and the growing maintenance needs of the park's aging structures, the NPS examined options for future operation of the park. The NPS worked with the community and the County to develop a plan that would protect the resources, serve the needs of visitors and address the concerns of the community.

Following a town meeting in March l998 to receive community input regarding the future use of Glen Echo Park, Duncan established the Glen Echo Park Working Group and charged it with making recommendations on how the County might play a role in protecting the park and its programs. Another town meeting was held in August 1998 for public comment on the working group's recommendations.

In August 1998, the County Executive submitted his proposed scenario for the preservation of Glen Echo to the National Park Service, recommending a three-way funding partnership with the County, state and federal governments sharing the capital costs of $l8.9 million and a proposal for a new management plan. Under this plan, the Park Service would continue to own Glen Echo, while day-to-day operations would be the responsibility of a non-profit governing board.

"With today's ceremony we are taking a major step forward in assuring that the rich history and cultural resources of Glen Echo Park will be preserved," said Senator Paul S. Sarbanes. "These improvements and restorations will enable Glen Echo to continue to serve as a regional and national center for the arts, culture, humanities and education for generations to come."

"Glen Echo National Park is not only a Maryland treasure, but also a national treasure," said Senator Mikulski. "That's why I joined community members and my friends on the federal, state, and local levels to maintain this historical park. Through this remarkable partnership, Glen Echo will continue to serve as a place where future generations can bring their children to ride the carousel, enjoy a puppet show, or take a class. I'm proud we were successful in securing the funding needed to complete these important restoration efforts."

"Today is a day for celebration, as we officially start the major renovation projects which will restore this unique treasure to its proper glory," said Congresswoman Morella. "The North Arcade building and the beloved Spanish Ballroom will soon be preserved and revitalized. The partnership which allowed this project to move forward ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to learn and benefit from Glen Echo Park's rich source of education, arts, and culture."

Today's groundbreaking marks the beginning of the renovation project for the Ballroom, and the demolition and rebuilding of the North Arcade. When completed, the North Arcade will house classrooms, the Puppet Co., small retail space and the NPS Information Center, as well as offices for the new management entity.

The contractor hired by Montgomery County is Monarc Construction, Inc. and the architectural consulting firm is Vitetta, Inc. In addition to work on the Spanish Ballroom and the North Arcade, this phase will also include the remaining work of the NPS project to upgrade the electrical systems and repair storm drains throughout the park. The total cost of the contract is $10 million. Work on the North Arcade is scheduled for completion in January 2003 and the ballroom is scheduled for completion in June 2003.