New bridge on the Northwest Branch trail at MD-29

The northwest branch trail north at Maryland Route 29 is accessible from the Burnt Mills West parking lot by crossing over the Northwest Branch.  For a long time this was a bit of a hassle, and, a somewhat dangerous to boot.  There was a sidewalk on the bridge, but not one leading up to it or from the bridge to the trail entrance.  This means you had to walk through the grass on the side of the road or walk in the very busy road. Once you got to the trail entrance, your troubles were not over. You had to go down a steep embankment, cross a small creek on stepping stones, then climb up the other side.

Sidwalk leading to the bridge

 Sometime in the recent past this was changed for the better.  There is now a sidewalk from the parking lot all the way to the entrance, and there is now a sturdy bridge going over the creek.  This is a real improvement and makes getting to that trail much easier and hassle free.

 

Bridge at the start of the Northwest Branch trail

Looking down the bridge

Woodside Park renovation

Woodside Park's much needed renovation/overhaul/remodeling is in full swing. What was once a bunch of broken down playground equipment is on its way to being a shiny new play place.
This part of the playground has partially installed equipment and no surface yet.
One of the play areas is complete and open for use. Bundle up and see how a slide feels when it is below freezing.

It looks like they have only been working on the playground areas so far, not the rest of the park. They are planning on putting a small skateboard area in but haven't started that.

Woodside park is bounded by Georgia Ave, Spring St, and 1st Ave in Silver Spring, MD