Presidents Day 2021: What's Open, Closed In Gaithersburg Area

GAITHERSBURG, MD — This year, Presidents Day will be Monday, Feb. 15.

The holiday, which was originally established in 1885 to honor President George Washington, will provide a much-appreciated three-day weekend for many. But it also means that some services, facilities, and programs across Montgomery County won't be open.

Here's a breakdown of how it could affect Gaithersburg-area residents:

• County offices – Closed.
• State offices and courts – Closed.
• Libraries – Closed.
• Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) – All stores open from noon-5 p.m.
• Recreation - Aquatic facilities open for reservations as scheduled. All other recreation facilities remain closed for COVID-19 safety precautions. Virtual programs are available on the Montgomery County Recreation website.
• Montgomery Parks - Visit MontgomeryParks.org.
  • Open Parkways initiative extended through 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15.
  • Portions of Sligo Creek Parkway and Beach Drive will be open to pedestrians and bicyclists for exercise and recreation from 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, through 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15.
  • Open: Parks, trails, gardens, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor tennis/pickleball courts.
  • Open: Virtual and Outdoor programming (advanced registration required).
  • Open: Wheaton Indoor Tennis and Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center by reservation only.
  • Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena open for individual scheduled athletic training (no public skating sessions).
  • Open: Little Bennett Campground.
  • Inline skate parks at Dewey Local Park and Ridge Road Recreational Park are open and may be reserved by permit.
  • Outdoor campfire ring rentals are available at several locations.
  • Closed: Montgomery Parks' Headquarters, Customer Service, and Permit Offices.
  • Closed: Brookside Gardens Visitor Center (closed through Feb. 28). Gardens open sunrise to sunset. 
  • Closed (until spring): Indoor nature facilities - Black Hill Visitor Center, Brookside Nature Center, Locust Grove Nature Center,  Maydale Nature Classroom, and Meadowside Nature Center.
• Ride On/Ride On extRa/Flash Service - Operating on weekday schedule (click on a route number).
• Ride On Flex – Not in operation due to health crisis.
• Metrorail and Metrobus – Information available here.
• MARC Train and Commuter Bus – Information available at maryland.gov/marc-holiday-service.
• TRiPS Commuter Store at Silver Spring Transit Center – Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• TRiPS Mobile Commuter Store– Closed.
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters - Free.
• County-provided refuse/recycling pickup - Trash and recycling will not be collected by county-operated service on Monday, Feb. 15. County-provided recycling and trash collections will slide one day. The last collection will be on Saturday, Feb. 20.
• Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station - Open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. However, county administrative office will be closed.