“Where exactly is Fernwood Park?” I hear you ask. Fernwood Park is a neighborhood haven. It offers a mix of recreation and history. The park has evolved. It reflects the changing landscape of the surrounding area.
Fernwood Park covers 5.6 acres. M-NCPPC acquired it in 1961. It was updated in 2023. The park provides a space for various activities.
Imagine the early days of Fernwood Heights. This was one of the first subdivisions. The Chevy Chase Land Company and the Newlands Company created it. Fernwood Heights included two streets east of Connecticut Avenue NW. These were Tilden and Upton Streets.
In the early 1900s, Fernwood Heights was booming. Advertisements touted its nearness to the U.S. Bureau of Standards. They promoted it as a good investment. People expected the value to double. This would happen once the Connecticut Avenue Bridge was completed.
The park’s address is listed as Michaels Drive. Parking can be tricky. There is no parking there between 9 am and 5 pm. Fortunately, you can park behind the Woods Academy. It is at 6801 Greentree Rd.
The playground is a highlight of Fernwood Park. It is mostly sunny. It features swings and three slides. There is metal and wood climbing equipment. Mulch cushions the ground.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate Fernwood Park. There are tennis courts. A practice wall is available. A soccer field is on site. A baseball field invites you to play.
Take a moment to relax. Benches dot the landscape. Trash cans help keep the park clean. Grass covers most of the park. Trees line the edges.
Fernwood Heights was absorbed by Forest Hills in the mid-1920s. The name faded from memory. Fernwood Park remains. It is a reminder of the area’s past.
Today, Fernwood Park is a vibrant community space. Children laugh on the playground. Athletes compete on the fields. Families gather for picnics. The park provides a vital green space. It enriches the lives of those who visit.