UPDATE:  The Pop Up Park Dedication Ceremony was August 9 and was a day of celebration!  The community came together to turn our lemons into lemonade!  To see the transformation, click on the video below. 

Over the past two decades our Town has been envisioning how the iconic “Bank Building” on the corner of N. Main and Prospect would be transformed. Circumstances beyond anyone’s control ranging from the economy to infrastructure issues have prevented the property from its full redevelopment potential. While the future of the bank building itself remains to be seen, I am pleased to share exciting news about a grassroots initiative to transform the barren parking lot into a thriving community destination place! This transformation will mitigate the unattractive conditions of the property and provide a safe outdoor venue for community gathering, which is even more important these days until a vaccine is found. This volunteer-based project is being made possible through mostly donated time and materials! If you are interested in helping, please contact Jim Stargel at [email protected]. A donation board recognizing donations and the time and talents will have a special place on the project site. In addition to the donations and project plans, we need a core group of handy and helpful volunteers that would like to help paint the light poles, paint ground areas, cut trees and limbs, install wood panels over the windows and general labor! The project will be started soon, with most items being completed on Saturday, August 8^th and a dedication ceremony on Sunday, August 9^th at 5:00 p.m. (was originally scheduled for 4:00 p.m, but delayed to try and avoid the heat :)) with music, light beer and wine!! We look forward to hearing your volunteer interests and hope to see you at the dedication ceremony, and in the weeks afterwards at the new downtown park! Thank you to the Dream Team that was assembled to manage this project; Jim Stargel and his wife Lisa, Katie Giganti – Mount Airy Arts Council, Tina Swanson – Beautification Committee, and of course – Barney Quinn and the Town Staff! Thank you to Mount Airy Town Council Members that will be assisting for their “hands-on” support! Together Making It Happen!!

- Mayor Patrick Rockinberg

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The new Simpson-Baker-Bowlus Pop Up Park is now open for reservations! 

Mount Airy Park facilities are normally free to use on a first come first serve basis, but certain facilities may be reserved for events.  At the Simpson-Baker-Bowlus Pop Up, unlike other facilities, there will be no charge for a reservation. A reservation does not mean that other individuals may not enter the park, but simply restricts reservations to one group at a time. Reservations must be made 7 days in advance.  If you are requesting a reservation sooner than that, please contact the Parks Manager at [email protected] or 301-829-1424.

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BANK BUILDING PHOENIX PROJECT // PROPOSED BEAUTIFICATION PLAN

Developed by the Special Project Committee for the Bank Building

May 29th, 2020

BANK BUILDING PHOENIX PROJECT // PRECEDENT IMAGES