Exploring Rockville Civic Center Park
We spent a peaceful morning exploring Rockville Civic Center Park, and I was surprised by how much there is to see and do. The park is actually a huge campus—153 acres of open space that includes a great playground, formal gardens, tennis courts, a nature center, and hiking trails. It felt like a hidden gem, especially since we practically had the place to ourselves. Aside from a photographer in the gardens and a couple of kids on the playground, it was quiet and serene—perfect for a midweek outing.
We started by parking behind the Glenview Mansion, near the tennis courts, and strolled through the gardens to the front of the house before looping around to the playground. You can also park closer to the playground behind the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, which is handy if you’re coming just to play.
The Glenview Mansion itself, built in 1838, adds a historical layer to the visit. There’s a lot to reflect on—the mansion and surrounding farmland were built and maintained by enslaved Africans, and while Judge Bowie, one of the early owners, was a Union sympathizer and anti-secessionist, he was also opposed to the abolition of slavery. It’s a complex and sobering part of the area's history that I appreciated learning more about during our visit.
♿️ While the main road loop around the park is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, the gardens and playground areas themselves are unfortunately not accessible.
This park is such a beautiful and peaceful space, especially if you're looking for a mix of nature, play, and history all in one place.
