Neal Potter Plaza Opens at Capital Crescent Trail

Montgomery Parks opened the Neal Potter Plaza as a new rest area along the 11-mile Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda on Saturday, Nov. 3. Indeed, the plaza is a dedication to the late Neal Potter, who died in 2008.

Good morning from the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda, #MD! Today, we’re celebrating the opening & dedication of the Neal Potter Plaza with @MontgomeryParks, Montgomery Parks Foundation, @MontgomeryCountyMD, @CCTreports, @MoCoCouncilMD. More info ➡️ https://t.co/gLGaffdyHO. pic.twitter.com/q63vFFUYFT

— Rails to Trails Conservancy (@railstotrails) November 3, 2018

Potter was elected County Executive in 1990 and served as a six-term Montgomery County councilmember. During his 28 years in office, Potter wrote state-legislation concerning taxation, farmland preservation, and farmland assessment. Additionally, he organized the Citizens Committee for Fair Taxation and helped form the Home Purchase Cost Investigation Committee.

Speakers at the event included County Executive Ike Leggett, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Representative Jamie Raskin, and more. Many county officials were in attendance.

Unveiling the dedication plaque to Neal Potter at the new New Potter Plaza on the Capital Crescent Trail. pic.twitter.com/a96kzpGW3Q

— Montgomery Parks (@MontgomeryParks) November 3, 2018

“This plaza is certainly something that recognizes a combination of things for Neal [Potter]: his concern for the environment, and more importantly his concern for people, and that we are connected here through this plaza and this trail,” said Leggett. “I want you to think about Neal today, and think about a person who would bring us together at this point in time.”

The new plaza, located north of where the Capital Crescent Trail crosses River Road, currently includes a kiosk and places to sit. Montgomery Parks eventually plans to install a bike rack and a bike repair station.

“Neal Potter was a model public servant who always exhibited the highest personal integrity. He was a mentor and friend,” said Leggett.

https://www.facebook.com/railstotrails/videos/401626837040618/

About Deirdre Byrne

Deirdre Byrne is a social media coordinator for Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at dbyrne@mymcmedia.org or on twitter at @DeirdreByrneMCM.

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