“Another step?” a young girl asks her mom as they approach Jesup Blair Park. This park is a vibrant blend of history and recreation. It offers a green escape near Washington D.C.’s northeastern edge.
Jesup Blair Park spans approximately fifteen acres. It is the largest park in downtown Silver Spring. This park is located at 900 Jesup Blair Drive. It almost touches Washington D.C.’s boundary.
Once, this land bore witness to the Underground Railroad. The Blair family, connected to President Lincoln’s cabinet, deeply shaped this area. The Moorings house, circa 1849-1850, stands at the park’s heart. It’s Silver Spring’s only remaining Blair family residence.
The Blair family gave the house and property to Maryland in 1933. In 1939, they were transferred to the M-NCPPC. Both the house and property are on the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation.
Existing amenities enhance Jesup Blair Park. Walkways wind through the park. Public art dots the landscape. You can find parking, a soccer field, and a playground here. Open lawn and picnic areas invite relaxation. Tennis and basketball courts offer activity. Lighting illuminates the park. Interpretive signage shares its story. Hundreds of trees create a lush canopy.
The Jesup Blair House embodies Federal and Greek Revival styles. It features a hipped roof and wooden quoin blocks. Pilasters and a molded architrave add to its character. A front door is framed with transom and sidelights.
Violet Blair Janin donated the house to Maryland in 1933. It has served various community functions since then. Renovated in 1990, it once provided transitional housing for single-parent families. Today, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission owns the property.
Jesup Blair Park offers many recreational opportunities. You can find a soccer field and tennis courts. There is also a basketball court, picnic area, and playground. The park was acquired in stages from 1933 to 1995.
The park’s facility plan seeks to optimize its use. It aims to create an engaging park for all. Spaces for relaxation and nature enjoyment are planned. Social connections and active recreation are encouraged. The objectives include year-round activities. These should cater to diverse populations and interests. Improving accessibility and employing sustainable strategies are key. Protecting the tree canopy is also a priority.
Montgomery Parks is analyzing the house’s potential redevelopment. The facility plan will proceed once feasible options are identified. The house could draw people into the park and encourage them to stay.
Imagine the Blair family strolling these grounds. Picture children playing games near the house. Feel the echoes of history beneath your feet. Jesup Blair Park is more than just a park. It is a living testament to the past. It is a vibrant space for the present, with a promising future.