The Lawn at Silver Spring

 

18

50

Brian W.

Takoma Park, MD

Urban spaces are tricky things.  The best plans can go awry creating a concrete nightmare a la the L'Enfant Plaza area.   A remarkable thing happened in Silver Spring, an astroturf patch became a meeting place and social hub for a community.   You wouldn't think this artifical bright green space would work but hang out there on a lunch hour and you'll see people relaxing, having a picnic and just hanging out.  

My son loves racing around the field,  kicking a ball, or making new friends.  We'll chat with other parents or meet up with friends on our way to the movies or a restaurant.  

The Lawn will disappear soon as a planned town center will take place.  I've lost track of the current plans, an ice rink?  an outdoor amphitheater?  I don't know.  Right now we're grabbing a sandwich and taking seat while the little one goes chasing after a ball.

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2

13

Mimi X.

Silver Spring, MD

The Turf! It's so cool and spontaneous. I love it. Such a great human-centered part of the busy Downtown Silver Spring scene. Random musicians show up sometimes, people sit and eat, throw a ball around. It's endangered, sadly, so like the previous reviewer said, check it out while you can.

Edited to three stars because it's not being kept up and it's reaaaaally dirty. Still a fun place for kids to run around on a sunny afternoon, though.

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