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From the Office to the Airwaves | Celebrating Our Staff Being Featured on🎙️Montgomery al Día🎙️

 Published: March 30, 2026

Dear CUPF Community,

We're excited to share a recent outreach effort focused on connecting with our Spanish-speaking community members. 

Several of our team were featured on Montgomery al Día, a Spanish-language program that shares County resources and information with Montgomery County's growing Hispanic community. 

In this episode, Director Genel Burwell, Miguel Lozada, and Eduardo Fuentes discuss CUPF's work and walk through the facility reservation process-all in Spanish to help expand access and understanding.

Thank you to Lorna Virgili and the Montgomery al Día team for the opportunity share our story.
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Estimados miembros de la comunidad de CUPF,

Nos complace compartir un reciente esfuerzo de alcance enfocado en conectar con nuestra comunidad hispanohablante. Varios miembros de nuestro equipo participaron en Montgomery al Día, un programa en español que comparte recursos e información del Condado con la creciente comunidad hispana del Condado de Montgomery.

En este episodio, la Directora Genel Burwell, Miguel Lozada y Eduardo Fuentes presentan el trabajo de CUPF y explican el proceso de reservación de instalaciones—todo en español para ampliar el acceso y la comprensión de nuestros servicios.

Agradecemos a Lorna Virgili y al equipo de Montgomery al Día por la oportunidad de compartir nuestra historia.

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Click here to watch: Episode 656 - March 17, 2026


Top (L) Lorna V., Top (R) Genel B., Bottom (L) Eduardo F., Bottom (R) Miguel L.

🎙️Montgomery al Día🎙️

Montgomery al Día is a show hosted by Lorna Virgili. The show includes interviews, news, PSAs, and public call-ins. Also included are County government departments, County Council, and collaboration from other County agencies to bring guests, news, and information to the County's fast growing Hispanic community. 

County Podcast are presented by County Cable Montgomery. Click Montgomery County Government Podcast Directory to listen to podcast produced by various County departments.

Reminder: Upcoming Opening Day Facility Reservations | 🚨Library Meeting Rooms🚨

 Published: March 27, 2026

Dear CUPF community,

Opening day to reserve use of Public Library Meeting Rooms for dates of use July 1 through December 31 opens on:

📅 Monday, April 13, 2026
🕡 6:30 a.m.

Reservations may be submitted for use of:

🏛️ Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL) | *Meeting Rooms

🔗 CUPF Facility Reservations: Montgomery County Public Libraries

Submit your reservations or requests through ActiveMONTGOMERY.

🔗 Learn About CUPF Available Venues: CUPF Home Page

Click here for information; and to add to calendar.

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)
Montgomery County Government, Maryland

Phone: 240-777-2725

Mon., Mar. 16: Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) Alert | ‼️MCPS CODE BLUE – Weather Update‼️

 Published: March 15, 2026

**CUPF ALERT | CODE BLUE - Weather Update

Dear CUPF community,

Following the recent announcement from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), MCPS will be operating under CODE BLUE - Early Dismissal, and all school offices will close early at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 16, 2026.

What does this mean for Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) users:
  • All CUPF-permitted activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled, including athletic practices and events
  • All childcare programs may continue to operate; families are encouraged to check directly with their childcare provider for site-specific operating status.
The CUPF office remains open. If you have questions about a reservation at a non-school venue - such as the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza (CUPF venue), please check directly with the venue. 

Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe.

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)

Community Use Update | ⚠️ Athletic "Grass" Fields Delayed Opening

Published: March 10, 2026
Updated: March 13, 2026

Dear CUPF Community,

Montgomery Parks and MCPS grass athletic fields will open later than usual this spring due to persistently wet winter conditions. The department anticipates opening all grass fields on April 1, 2026. The delayed opening will help ensure fields are in suitable condition for play and prevent long-term damage caused by use when the ground is saturated.

Using fields before they are ready can lead to uneven surfaces, turf loss, and drainage problems that may take weeks or months to repair. By waiting until conditions improve, Montgomery Parks aims to preserve the quality and safety of its athletic facilities for all the leagues, teams, and casual users.

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)

Thank You for a Great Season at the Silver Spring Ice Rink

Published: March 6, 2026

Dear Silver Spring Community,

As temperatures begin to rise and we transition into the spring season, the Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink at Veterans Plaza will be closing earlier than anticipated due to warmer weather conditions in order to ensure safety and proper ice quality.

At this time, operations are expected to conclude on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

This season has been filled with skating, lessons, celebrations, and community gatherings, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us on the ice. Thank you to the Silver Spring community for making this another memorable season.

We encourage everyone to visit over the next few days and enjoy the ice one last time before the season ends.

Thank you again for another great season of skating in downtown Silver Spring. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when the rink returns next season.

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)

Hello Spring, Hello Summer: Opening Day for CUPF Reservations Is Here

 Published: February 6, 2026

Spring & Summer Planning Starts Soon — CUPF Opening Day

Dear community members,

Planning programs, practices, or events for spring and summer?

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) is here to help.

Opening Day for Spring & Summer Requests

📅 Monday, Feb. 9, 2026
⏰ 6:30 a.m.

Beginning at 6:30 a.m., requests may be submitted for use of:
  • School auditoriums
  • Athletic fields
  • Outdoor basketball courts
  • Parking lots
  • Outdoor tennis courts
Submit your requests through ActiveMONTGOMERY.

🔗 Learn more about Spring/Summer Opening Day: Community Use Bridge
🔗 View CUPF-permitted public spaces: CUPF Home Page

Here's to a productive and exciting spring and summer of community use!

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) 🚨Alert🚨 | Weather Update

 Published: February 1, 2026

**This update applies to CUPF-permitted community use of school facilities.

For Monday, Feb. 2, 2026:
  • MCPS schools are closed for the school day (central offices are open).
  • MCPS-sponsored school activities are canceled.
  • CUPF-permitted community use of school facilities is OPEN and operating as scheduled.
  • Child care programs may operate; families should check directly with their provider.
CUPF makes weekday community use decisions in coordination with MCPS and partner agencies, with safety as the top priority.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)

Sign Up Today!

Now Live: CUPF Alerts & Notifications

Stay informed and connected with the Office of Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) through two new notification tools:

·        🔔 Alert Montgomery 

·        📧 GovDelivery Notifications

These free, subscription-based services deliver important CUPF updates straight to your phone and/or email, including:

  • Weather-related closures and alerts
  • Facility and program updates
  • Meeting notices and announcements
  • News and community information

You choose the topics that matter most to you and how you’d like to receive updates—text, email, or both.

------------- Sign Up Today -------------

🔔 Alert Montgomery

Alert Montgomery (Select 🠊 Community Use of Public Facilities)


📧 GovDelivery Notifications

GovDelivery (Select 🠊 Community Use of Public Facilities)


Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay ready with CUPF.

Community Use of Public Facilities 

Fri., Jan. 30: Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) Alert | Weekend Weather Update

 Published: January 29, 2026

To our community,

As snow and ice removal continue across the county, crews are working diligently to restore safe access to school campuses and public facilities. We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as this work continues.

MCPS School Sites
  • All community use of school facilities is canceled Friday through Sunday (January 30 - February 1, 2026).
  • To allow crews space needed to safely clear campuses, please avoid visiting school grounds over the weekend.
Child Care
  • Some child care sites may be available. Families should check directly with their child care provider for site-specific operating status.
Other CUPF-Permitted Venues
  • Community Use of Public Facilities also permits non-school facilities, including government buildings and regional service centers.
  • Operational status may very by location and permit holders are encouraged to check directly with their specific venue regarding reservations and facility access.
  • The Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza remains open for permitted events, including the weekly Saturday Farmers Market and the Outdoor Ice Rink. Community members are welcome to safely enjoy these programs.
Looking Ahead
  • For planning purposes, Montgomery County Public Schools anticipates a two-hour delay on Monday, February 2 (subject to change).
  • An update will be shared Sunday, February 1 after 4:00 PM.
Decisions regarding weekend closures are made by CUPF, in coordination with MCPS and other partners, to ensure a safe and timely response to winter weather conditions.

For questions related to community use cancellations, please contact CUPF: Community Use of Public Facilities Home Page

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as recover efforts continue.

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)

Wed. Jan. 28 & Thu. Jan. 29: Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) ALERT | CODE RED – Weather Closure Update

 Published: January 27, 2026

**CUPF ALERT | CODE RED - Weather Closure Update

Dear community members,

Following the recent announcement from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), MCPS will still be operating under CODE RED, and all schools and school offices will remain closed Wednesday, January 28 and Thursday, January 29.

What this means for Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) users:
  • All CUPF-permitted activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled, including athletic practices and events
  • All childcare programs and community use activities in schools are canceled
The CUPF office remains open. If you have questions about a reservation at a non-school venue - such as the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza (CUPF venue), please check directly with the venue. 

Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe.

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF)

Tue. Jan. 27: Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) CUPF ALERT | CODE RED – Weather Closure Update

 Published: January 26, 2026

**CUPF ALERT | CODE RED - Weather Closure Update

Dear community members,

Due to inclement weather, MCPS is operating under CODE RED, and all schools and school offices are closed on Tuesday, January 27. 

What this means for CUPF users:
  • All CUPF-permitted activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled, including athletic practices and events
  • All childcare programs and community use activities in schools are canceled
The CUPF office remains open. If you have questions about a reservation at a non-school venue - such as the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza (CUPF venue), please check directly with the venue. The Silver Spring Civic Building will open at 10:00 a.m. on Tue. Jan. 27, 2026.

Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe.

Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) Weather Update | CODE RED: MCPS and Montgomery County Government Closure

Published: January 25, 2026

Dear community members,

Montgomery County Public Schools

CODE RED: All MCPS schools and offices are closed Monday, January 26, AND Tuesday, January 27. 
  • Before and after school childcare will be closed. 
  • All community use activities are canceled.
Montgomery County Government

Due to inclement weather conditions, Montgomery County Government facilities are CLOSED as of 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 25. The closure period will end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 26.

Snow Information Portal

For up-to-date snow-related information, residents can visit the County's Snow Information Portal.

Helpful Resources

Montgomery County January 2026 Snow Update #1: County Declares Snow Emergency | Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) Closure

Published: January 24, 2026
Updated: January 24, 2026
 (Source: Montgomery County, MD | eSubscription bulletin, 2026) 

Dear community members,

**Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) will be closed on January 25, 2026. All community use will be canceled.

A message from Montgomery County Public Information Office (PIO):

As a reminder, a "snow emergency" is being declared for Montgomery County to take effect at 6 p.m. today, Saturday, Jan. 24. This declaration imposes on-street parking restrictions and makes covered County garages available for free parking.

During the snow emergency, parking is prohibited on posted snow emergency routes and posted surface parking lots. Residents are asked to make every effort to park in driveways and garages as parking is available at no charge in County-operated parking garages. Where street parking is unavoidable, the side of the street where cars area allowed to park will alternate by day to allow for snow clearing.

If residents must park on-street on non-snow emergency routes, starting at 6 p.m. today through Monday, Jan. 26, residents should only park on the side of the street with even numbered addresses. If emergency conditions persist, residents will be expected to move their cars to the side of the street with odd numbers of Tuesday, Jan. 27 by 7 a.m.

Government Facilities Operating Updates:
  • Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
  • Montgomery County Department of Recreation Centers will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
  • Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) Stores will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25
  • The Montgomery County Animal Adoption Center will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25.
  • The County's non-emergency informational call center, MC 311, will open on Sunday, Jan. 25 from noon to 8 p.m. MC 311 will have extended hours on Monday, Jan. 26 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to handle calls regarding the storm. Residents can contact MC 311 by calling 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311 or online at MC311.com.
  • Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)-sponsored activities are canceled for Sunday, Jan. 15. MCPS schools are closed to students on Monday, Jan. 26 for previously scheduled end of term grading and planning day. MCPS will update its operational status for Monday, Jan. 26 on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. 

For up-to-date snow-related information, residents can visit the County's Snow Information Portal.

Fri. Jan. 23: Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) The Weather Forecast Is Calling for 🌨️Snow🌨️: What You Need to Know

The Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza Ice Rink covered in snow
Published: January 23, 2026

To our community,

With a significant winter weather event expected this weekend, the Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) is closely monitoring conditions and coordinating with our County partners. Please review the following important information as you plan your activities:

What You Need to Know
  • Safety Comes First
Decisions about facility access, closures, or delayed openings will be guided by weather conditions, road safety, and County Operations.
  • Facility Status May Change
Indoor facilities, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces may experience delayed openings, early closures, or cancellations depending on the severity of the storm.

  • Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza (CUPF Venue) 

Programming, rentals, and public access at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza may be impacted by weather conditions. Decisions regarding delayed openings, early closures, or cancellations will be communicated directly to users and shared through CUPF alerts and County channels. Please check for updates before traveling to the facility.

  • Check Before You Go 

Users are encouraged to confirm the status of their reservation or event before traveling. Updates will be shared as conditions evolve.

  •  School-Based Facilities

When Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are closed or delayed due to weather, community use of school facilities is typically impacted.

  • Athletic Fields & Outdoor Spaces 

Snow and freezing conditions may make fields and plazas unsafe or unusable. Field conditions will be reassessed once weather improves.

  •  Stay Informed

CUPF updates will be shared via:

    • Emil notification
    • The CUPF website
    • MC311 (311 or 240-777-0311) 
  • Questions or Assistance

Please contact cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov or MC311 for the most up-to-date information.

CUPF Office Closure Announcement | 📅 Wednesday, January 21

Published: January 20, 2026
Updated: January 21, 2026

**Thursday, January 22: We're pleased to announce that our Reedie Drive office in Wheaton is now fully open again following HVAC repairs. If you need in-person assistance or have business with the Community use of Public Facilities (CUPF), we're happy to welcome you back! Normal office hours apply, and we look forward to assisting you For more details about our services or to plan your visit, click here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cupf/index.html

Dear Community Members,

Due to a building issue, the CUPF administrative office in Wheaton will remain closed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. If you need assistance, please call 240-777-2725.

As always, questions or comments regarding use of indoor school facilities, athletic fields, libraries and regional centers should be directed to cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov, the MC311 Call Center at 311 (240-777-0311), or the TTY phone number 1-800-735-2258.

Staying Warm Together: Winter HVAC Reminders for School Activities

Heat Temperature Info Blog Banner
 Published: January 9, 2026

Dear Community Members,

As we move through the season, we'd like to share a few friendly reminders regarding HVAC systems to help keep user groups comfortable in school buildings.

Just a quick note to share, there is no additional fee for HVAC; it is included and turned on during hours reserved. Please note that larger spaces take longer to reach temperature, especially when outside temperatures are extreme.

As a reminder, the Heat temperature set point is 68 degrees Fahrenheit in school buildings, per Montgomery County Public Schools. Heat is not available in all gymnasiums. There are some exceptions, but it may take a while to heat a space as large as a gym.

It is suggested that persons attending activities in school buildings dress in layers during extreme temperatures so that they may adjust to the indoor temperature. 

To support our community, CUPF may accept short-notice cancellations during extremely cold temperatures. The cancellation fee may be waived if the steps below are followed.
  • If your group is scheduled and you determine to stay even if the temperature is cooler than 68 degrees, no refund will be provided.
  • If your group is scheduled and you find that the heat is insufficient upon arrival, you may choose not to use the space. Call or text the after-hours help line at 240-490-2873 (CUPF) to report that you have left the premises without use due to the extreme cold temperatures so a refund can be initiated. If you use the space in any capacity, a refund will not be issued.
  • If you cancel at least one business day before your scheduled use, CUPF will issue a refund. A Reservation Amendment / Cancellation Form should be submitted noting the cancellation is due to extremely cold temperatures. 

Helpful resources






The Office of Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) |‼️ Emergency Closing Information‼️

Published: December 19, 2025


Emergency Delays and Closures/Inclement Weather Policy by Facility Type –


  • Community use activities will automatically be canceled Monday-Friday when MCPS schools close early for the entire day.
  • On weekends and holidays CUPF will make cancellation decisions as soon as possible.
  • Closings will be broadcast on local radio and television stations, posted online at CUPF Emergency Closings or you may subscribe to Alert MCPS.





  • Government Building activities are NOT canceled when MCPS closes.
  • Government Building closings, though rare, will be broadcasted on local radio and television stations, posted online at CUPF Emergency Closings or you may sign up for AlertMontgomery.

In the event CUPF cancels community use due to inclement weather, or any other emergency situation, a full refund will be issued to the original form of payment without the User group needing to contact our office. CUPF is not responsible for any other costs associated with an activity when facilities are closed due to inclement weather or other emergency. Refer to the Facility Use License Agreement FULA for specific information.

CUPF will not be able to extend the courtesy of assisting customers with relocation. To reschedule a new date visit www.ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Reservations must be made with a minimum of seven days.

Large events: email CUPF@montgomerycountymd.gov for assistance. 

Childcare: Childcare programs may operate as scheduled. Please contact your childcare provider directly for details.

Silver Spring Civic Building events: All cancellation requests must be in writing. CUPF will refund fees paid by the user to CUPF to permit the use of the Civic Building in accordance with it's cancellation policy. In the event of cancellation by CUPF, the user's account will be credited in full. To learn more about the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza Refunds/Cancellations visit Silver Spring Civic Building Policies Procedures.






Contact CUPF

  • Customer Care: CUPF@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-2725
  • After-Hours Help Line: 240-490-CUPF (2873). Call or Text (Monday - Friday outside of business hours 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Weekends)
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