Community Use Bridge

Nov. 1, Getting Ready for Opening Day Reservations of Artificial Turf Fields, Outdoor Basketball Courts, Parking Lots and Tennis Courts | User Guidebook Quick Links

CUPF Opening Day Reservation

Friday, November 1, 2024, is opening day to request online reservations of school and recreation artificial turf fields, as well as other outdoor school facilities for dates of use Sunday, December 1, 2024, through Friday, March 14, 2025.

Outdoor school facilities include artificial turf fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, parking lots, and other outdoor school facilities. For more step-by-step information, go to November 1, Opening Day to Reserve Athletic Turf Fields and Outdoor School Facilities. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m. Log into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org!!

All users should familiarize themselves with the User Guidebook and Facility Use License Agreement.

The School Facilities User Guidebook is a resource outlining what school facilities may be used for, what is expected of community user groups, how to reserve school facilities, and what to expect when using a school facility. The Facility Use License Agreement (FULA) is an important document to be familiar with when using public facilities.

User Guidebook Quick links

1) School Facilities User Guidebook and Agreement

Opening Day Government Building Meeting Rooms

Tuesday, November 15, 2024, is opening day to request online reservations of government building meeting rooms for dates of use January 1 through June 30. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m. Log into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org!!

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

November 1, Opening Day to Reserve Athletic Turf Fields and Outdoor School Facilities

Opening Day for Outdoor Reservations

Friday, November 1, 2024, is opening day to request online reservations of school and recreation artificial turf fields, as well as other outdoor school facilities for dates of use December 1 through March 14. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m.!

This includes artificial turf fields, school parking lots, tennis courts, and select outdoor basketball courts. As a reminder, natural grass fields are closed for seasonal rest or preparation from December 1 - March 14.

Reservation Website

Visit www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org to reserve space for your activities!

New ActiveMONTGOMERY Reservation Process

How to request an outdoor basketball court for an event.

Step 1: After signing into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org, select the "Facility Reservation" thumbnail.

Step 2: On the next page, select the "Basketball Outdoor" thumbnail.

How to request an outdoor tennis court for an event.

Step 1: After clicking on "Facility Reservations" at the ActiveMONTGOMERY.org home page, select the "Tennis Outdoor Courts" thumbnail.

How to request an artificial turf field for an event.

Step 1: After clicking on "Facility Reservations" at the ActiveMONTGOMERY.org home page, select the "Fields" thumbnail.

Step 2: After clicking on "Fields", select the "School or MoCo Recreation Fields" thumbnail.

Step 3: Please note, after selecting the "School Fields" thumbnail, a user will have the option to select a field location.

For more information regarding athletic fields go to Montgomery County Athletic Fields.

Reserving a Parking Lot

Step 1: After clicking on "Facility Reservations" at the ActiveMONTGOMERY.org home page, select the "Parking Lots" thumbnail.

Permits for school parking lots are available for request by using ActiveMONTGOMERY. A permit is required for all non-school activities including meals distribution, exercise classes and any other organized activity.

Helpful Hints to Prepare

Ensure that your account for the NEW ActiveMONTGOMERY.org software is active with a current login and password. Read more...
Organizations should ensure that the account login and password is available to whomever in the organization has been given the authority to reserve public facilities on their behalf.
Only a single member of each organization can be logged into the organizational account at one time in order to reserve facilities.
Individual / personal accounts may not make facility reservations on behalf of an organization.
Payment is due at the time of the reservation.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank You

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

Additional Availability for Use of High School Gymnasiums

Previously, CUPF made an announcement surrounding a limited availability for high school gymnasiums: Sports Facilities at Public Schools, What You Need to Know.

Effective October 2, 2024, there may be earlier times available for community use reservations at various high school gymnasiums in the county. If interested in earlier times on weekday evenings, in high school gymnasiums, please visit www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org to check availability and reserve space.

Please note: this will vary by location, and by season. There are always chances of being bumped due to school needs. High school gyms and artificial turf fields rank among the most likely for such to occur, especially on short notice.

If you have questions or concerns, please email cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-2725.

Thank you for using public facilities for your community events and activities!

The CUPF Digital Magazine: 2024 October Edition

The CUPF Digital Magazine

The October Edition of the CUPF Digital Magazine is now available for viewing. This free digital magazine includes information that will provide the reader with additional information and other updates that will be beneficial to our county partners, community organizations, and all users.

Providing a free source of information on CUPF's social media platforms such as X - @MontgomeryCUPF and Instagram - @Montgomerycupf, will offer an alternative reading source that will not include purchasing or subscription to a magazine. The goal is to keep our community, well informed of all CUPF related activities and events.

The October Edition

The October Edition of the CUPF Digital Magazine features Wheaton, Maryland, Montgomery County Hispanic Heritage Month Festival and Health Fair, Veterans Plaza list of upcoming events in October and information regarding the Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink, Opening Day Reservation for Montgomery County Public School Outdoor Facilities. Plus, a colorful representation of Veterans Plaza NEW PAVILION LIGHTS!!

October 15, Opening Day for Reservations of Public Library Meeting Rooms

Public Library Meeting Rooms

Tuesday, October 15, 2024, is opening day to request use of Montgomery County Public Libraries meeting rooms for dates of use January 1 through June 30. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m.

For additional information, go to Community Use of Public Libraries Reservations (montgomerycountymd.gov).

Reservation Website

Visit www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org to reserve space for your activities!

ActiveMONTGOMERY Reservation Process

How to request a public library meeting room for an event.

Step 1: After signing into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org, select the "Facility Reservations" thumbnail.

Step 2: On the next page, select the "Meeting Rooms" thumbnail.

Step 3: The final step on the next page will include, selecting the "Library Meeting" thumbnail.

Helpful Hints to Prepare

Ensure that your account for the NEW ActiveMONTGOMERY.org software is active with a current login and password. Read more...
Organizations should ensure that the account login and password is available to whomever in the organization has been given the authority to reserve public facilities on their behalf.
Only a single member of each organization can be logged into the organizational account at one time in order to reserve facilities.
Individual / personal accounts may not make facility reservations on behalf of an organization.
Payment is due at the time of the reservation.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to CUPF at: cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov

Thank You

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

New Pavilion Lights at Veterans Plaza!!

Veterans Plaza Pavilion Lights
Each evening, just before sunset, the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza will illuminate the pavilion with a radiant and dynamic display of colors. This vibrant show, changing monthly, will elevate Veterans Plaza already lively programs, making the experience on the plaza even more special.

Come celebrate with us as we marvel at this extraordinary achievement, showcasing the dedication and hard work of many from budget approval to meticulous design and planning. Together, lighting designers, programmers, the Department of General Services, and the Office of Energy and Sustainability, achieved a breathtaking tribute to the diversity that defines our community. The Office of Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) is greatly appreciative of our countless community supporters and partners.

Operations Manager, Eric Rasch, CPM, MPS states, "It's more than just a light show, this is an artistic victory at the heart of our Arts & Entertainment District, and a reflection of our diverse and vibrant community here in downtown Silver Spring."

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

The Director's Corner | Welcome Back to School

September 2024
Welcome back to school to our students and congratulations to the parents and caregivers on making it through the summer!
CUPF has worked diligently to get permits reserved and entered for the school year for community use events through the Fall and Winter. August 15, 2024, saw a welcomed amount of permitting which indicates another busy school season. There were very few reported problems with the ActiveMONTGOMERY site during the recent open permitting season date which was also welcomed. Each year we continue to refine and improve the performance of the site while working closely with the Vendor to provide more enhancements that will meet more of the needs of our community.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has instituted some new and more time-consuming schedules for their athletics programs which has caused CUPF to alter the times available for community use. There have been increases made to MCPS sport team practice times and new sports like pickleball have been added to the practice schedule. As we all know MCPS school related activities have a priority for use of school facilities, so CUPF has been trying to balance the school use with community use to afford each side access and opportunities for meaningful use of those facilities.
Because of limited field space and seasonal changes, such as shorter days that impact outside activities, there is a tighter squeeze on community use at all locations. CUPF staff have worked hard to make permit holders aware of MCPS locations that have less use and more availability. This includes using middle schools instead of high schools. Middle schools have fewer school organized sports activities than high schools which makes more facilities available for community use when middle schools are considered as an option.
CUPF invites our community to utilize as many spaces as possible to facilitate access to locations for community use events. When the permit holder has more flexibility in their event planning there are more options to consider as available space for those events.
Thank you,
CUPF Director, Ramona Bell-Pearson

The CUPF Digital Magazine: 2024 September Edition

The CUPF Digital Magazine

The September Edition of the CUPF Digital Magazine is now available for viewing. This free digital magazine includes information that will provide the reader with additional information and other updates that will be beneficial to our county partners, community organizations, and all users.

The September Edition

The September Edition of the CUPF Digital Magazine features Silver Spring, Maryland, Silver Spring Jazz Festival, Veterans Plaza list of upcoming events in September, the Wheaton Urban District, Community Use Conference Room, and Library Meeting Rooms Facility Reservation. Welcome back, Montgomery County Public Schools!!

Sept. 2, CUPF Closure | Labor Day

CUPF Labor Day Closure
In observance of Labor Day (a state and federal holiday), CUPF offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. As a reminder, Montgomery County Government will be closed on Monday, September 2.
Parades and Festivals in Montgomery County
Celebrate Labor Day in Montgomery County, Maryland
General Inquiries
If you have any questions or concerns, please call CUPF Customer Service at 240-777-2725, or send an email to cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

Marian Fryer Town Plaza | Aug. 31, Capital House Music Festival

Capital House Music Festival

Saturday, August 31, 2024, is the Capital House Music Festival. The #CapHouseFest is a free community event for all ages. Get your tickets!! Everyone is welcome to join the festival for music, dancing, and live performances. The mission of the festival is to move your body with World House Music, raise funds and donations for Inner City Music Programs. For more information, go to the Capital House Music Festival.

Event Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Parking: (1) Wheaton Parking Facilities, (2) Metro: Park & Ride 11030 Veirs Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902

Food and Drink Available

Marian Fryer Town Plaza

The Marian Fryer Town Plaza is named after the long time Wheaton, Maryland resident and community activist. The plaza is centrally located in downtown Wheaton directly above the Wheaton Metro Station. Events that are held at the plaza include the Taste of Wheaton, TGIF Summer Series, and the Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival. Reserve your next event at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza!!

Sports Facilities at Public Schools, What You Need to Know

Two Important Announcements:

Volleyball equipment is now available in middle school gyms

The Office of Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) secured grant funding for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to purchase equipment for use by community groups reserving sports facilities. This included a purchase of volleyball equipment now available for community user groups at middle school gymnasiums. Groups are no longer required to seek permission for use of volleyball equipment at middle school locations—it is available without question unless equipment becomes damaged.

Note, Newport Mill Middle School and Neelsville Middle School are not yet fully equipped with Volleyball standards for community use—we will keep the community updated as equipment becomes available at these two locations.

Reduced availability of high school facilities

As previously announced in our post titled Availability of High School Facilities, MCPS is expanding opportunities for students at all levels. As a result, community groups may see less weekday evening availability especially in high school facilities. However, there are middle school and elementary school sites that are not always as utilized that may be adequate to host your community events and activities. Browse facilities online at www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org.

Effective August 15, 2024, at high school facilities:

Gym 1 is available for online reservations beginning at 9:30 p.m. Mon-Fri during the school year
Gym 2 is available for online reservations beginning at 7:30 p.m. Mon-Fri during the school year
Tennis Courts are available for online reservations beginning at 7:30 p.m. Mon-Fri during the school year

Once all high schools have confirmed their needs for their facilities which is typically mid-September, CUPF intends to make earlier times available for online reservations where possible. At that time, an announcement will be made via our blog and direct email to all customers who have registered to receive CUPF communications.

We hope that this delay in allowing community use reservations will provide high schools an opportunity to finish their internal scheduling of space without the necessity of canceling community user groups.

Note that this does not affect public recreation or league user groups with existing agreements.

Thank you!

Thank you for using public facilities for you community events and activities!

August 15, Getting Ready for Opening Day Reservation | User Guidebook Quick Links

CUPF Opening Day Reservation

Thursday, August 15, 2024, is opening day to request online reservations of indoor school facilities for dates of use during the upcoming 2024-2025 Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) School Year.

Indoor school facilities include gymnasium's, classrooms, cafeterias, and other indoor facilities. For more step-by-step information, go to Aug. 15, Opening Day to Reserve Indoor School Buildings. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m. Log into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org!!

User Guidebook Quick links

1) School Facilities User Guidebook and Agreement

Opening Day Library Meeting Rooms

Tuesday, October 15, 2024, is opening day to request online reservations of public library meeting rooms for dates of use January 1 through June 30. It all begins online at 6:30 a.m. Log into ActiveMONTGOMERY.org!!

Thank you

Thank you for using public facilities for community events and activities!

Availability of High School Facilities

Additional Opportunities

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is working diligently to expand opportunities for students at all levels. High schools are seeing a significant increase in the number of after-school, evening, and Saturday opportunities for students including math, science, sports, music, theater, and more. These are exciting times for our youth in Montgomery County!

Community groups may see less availability of high school gymnasiums, athletic fields, auditoriums, and at times other spaces. While these increased school activities for students may reduce the availability for non-school opportunities at high school campuses, the Office of Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) has you covered. There are middle school and elementary school sites that are not always as utilized as high school sites that may be available to host your community events and activities. Browse facilities online at www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org.

As a reminder, while helping to make community use available to be accessed for public use, CUPF can only make space available to the community when it is not needed for educational purposes.

Thank you!

Thank you for using public facilities for you community events and activities!

The CUPF Digital Magazine: 2024 August Edition

The CUPF Digital Magazine

The August Edition of the CUPF Digital Magazine is available for viewing. This free digital magazine includes information that will provide the reader with engaging content, colorful images, and bonus content. We look forward to providing additional information and other updates that will be beneficial to our county partners, community organizations, and all users.

The August Edition

The August Edition of the CUPF Digital Magazine features Silver Spring, Maryland, Fortune Magazine No.1 Ranking, the Wheaton TGIF Concert Series list of upcoming performances in August, the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza Community Access Program, and the Clarksburg Cottage Facility Reservation. Our upcoming Thursday, August 15, reservation date for indoor school buildings. Plus, information regarding PTA/ PTSA Deadline for Priority Scheduling of Events.