Proposed Outdoor Center in MoCo

[Kalidurga]

I just received the following e-mail from Sunny Pitcher, the founder of Potomac Paddlesports. The information's a bit vague, but it sounds like something that might be very cool for any outdoors-person. I'll post again if I get any further details.

I am writing to ask for your help and support in an endeavor that will improve the quality of life for those of us who are passionate about the outdoors and fortunate enough to live and work in Montgomery County.

My organization has proposed a public-private partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Parks to reconfigure an underutilized park facility into an innovative outdoor recreation community center that offers enhanced access to nature through human-powered recreation.

We've recognized the need in our community for a place where we can all come together to relax - whether we're hanging our bike helmet or loosening our tie - to have a hearty meal, to spend time with our families, and to enjoy our natural surroundings.

The proposed Outdoor Center will be community-based with an emphasis on family, conservation, and interaction with nature. In addition to quality amenities and outdoor recreation, our proposal outlines that the facility be a model for sustainability, and includes plans to reduce traffic congestion and increase pedestrian safety.

We have been hard at work on this proposal for over a year and are now moving through the approval process with the Montgomery County Planning Board. We have strong support at both the state, county, and local level.

Now, we urgently need your support during this critical public comment period. If you support our vision and would like to be a part of making it a reality, please take a moment to email me today at sunny@potomacpaddlesports.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for your helping to create a place where outdoor enthusiasts and conservation-minded people will feel at home.

Sincerely,

Sunny Pitcher
Founder / ACA Kayak Instructor
Potomac Paddlesports Incorporated
http://www.potomacpaddlesports.com
301-881-BOAT (2628)

[divingbiker]

wonder what the heck they're talking about. Which park????

[Kalidurga]

I e-mailed Sunny to see if he could send me a copy of the proposal or any more details. It's possible that he's mentioned more information in past PPS newsletters and that I've just missed it.

[Kalidurga]

More info:

Thank you for your reply and for your interest in the proposed "National Outdoor Center " in Potomac , MD. Please find links to review our upcoming public presentation via the web pages listed at the bottom of this email, along with three attachments. Having your support on record will be essential during the public comment stage. Here are three very important things you can do to help:

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1. Send a supportive email to terry.brooks@mncppc-mc.org and Cc me (sunny@potomacpaddlesports.com)....

Send an email outlining your enthusiastic support to Terry.Brooks@mncppc-mc.org. Mr. Brooks is the Chair of the Public-Private Partnership Committee in The Office of The Director of Parks and will pass your comments along to the Montgomery County Planning Board. IMPORTANT: Montgomery County values the input of all DC area residents, not just county residents. No matter where you live, your opinion counts! Please copy me on your email at sunny@potomacpaddlesports.com so that we may have our own records of support.

2 . Show up for the public meeting at Rockwood on November 17th...

Bring supportive family and friends to the November 17 public comment meeting being held next Tuesday from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM and be vocal at that meeting. If you can be there 1/2 hour early, you can help us fill the seats in the room with supporters. If you can't make it, send someone to speak on your behalf. You do not need to RSVP--just show up!

3 . Spread the word among other potential supporters....

Share this email with everyone you know who might be supportive-we need a good turnout! This may be our only opportunity to reserve one of the last natural 40+ acre landscapes near Great Falls , MD for a facility that serves the unique purpose we have proposed.

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NATIONAL OUTDOOR CENTER PUBLIC PRESENTATION DOCUMENTS

Microsoft Power Point (with video): https://www.potomacpaddlesports.com/ppp/noc3.2.ppt

Adobe PDF: https://www.potomacpaddlesports.com/ppp/noc3.2.pdf

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Thank you so much for your support ! I hope to see you next Tuesday, November 17th at 6:30!

Sunny

I had trouble opening the pdf, but was able to see the PowerPoint slideshow on my work computer.

Rockwood is located in Great Falls just up the bend from Old Angler's Inn and the C&O Widewater parking area. I've been there once for a PPS event but didn't realize that it was so under-utilized. This seems like an ambitious project, but Sunny's incredibly energetic and determined. If anyone could make this work, he probably could.