HCM Landscape Architects led the revitalization of Caroline Freeland Urban Park, transforming the one-acre green space at the edge of downtown Bethesda into an accessible, community-focused retreat. Named for Caroline Freeland, the first woman to chair the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and a visionary who championed the balance of growth and open space, the park continues to reflect her belief in the power of landscape to enrich daily life. By 2020, its aging paths, overgrown plantings, and deteriorating furnishings signaled the need for reinvestment, prompting HCM to guide a multidisciplinary team in restoring the park’s welcoming character and strengthening its role as a vital link between neighborhood and city.
A redesigned entry plaza at Elm Street and Arlington Road now creates a clear, inviting gateway that improves visibility and connection to downtown, with the restored Bethesda Walkaround sculpture anchoring the entrance and reinforcing the park’s civic identity. A central terrace and flexible lawn support both informal relaxation and community gatherings, while an expanded, inclusive playground offers modern play opportunities for families. ADA-compliant pathways, updated lighting, and varied seating enhance comfort, safety, and accessibility throughout.
Preserving the park’s mature shade trees shaped the design from the outset, ensuring the renewed landscape retained its established character. Stormwater is directed into planted bioretention areas, where native vegetation and locally sourced boulders create habitat and opportunities for visitors to engage with the landscape. Completed in 2024, the revitalized park stands as a testament to the impact of landscape architecture in strengthening community and honoring the legacy of a pioneering planner.
