Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
Local park with basketball courts, grills, outdoor fitness equipment, soccer field & tennis courts.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park is rated 4.6 / 5 from 667 Google reviews and sits about 1.2 km (15 min walk) from Shady Grove station.
General overview
About Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park is a public neighborhood park in Rockville named for poet and peace advocate Mattie J.T. Stepanek. It is a quiet outdoor stop suited to families, short walks, picnicking, and reflection. Information below is based on training data and has not been live-verified.
- Named in memory of Mattie J.T. Stepanek, a Maryland poet, author, and peace advocate.
- Family-friendly outdoor recreation in the Rockville area.
- Suitable for a short visit, picnic, stroll, or quiet reflective time.
- Located on Piccard Drive near Rockville’s commercial and office districts.
Things to do here
Park stroll and outdoor recreation
Walk through the park and enjoy its open-air recreational setting. Exact trail and amenity availability should be confirmed locally.
Children’s play area
The park is generally associated with family-oriented recreation and playground use; verify current equipment and operating condition before visiting.
Picnic or relaxed outdoor visit
Bring a picnic or spend time outdoors in the park. Pavilion, table, and reservation details may vary.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek remembrance
Visit a place associated with the legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and his messages of peace, hope, and unity.
Use the listed Piccard Drive address and follow posted parking and park-use signs. Check the weather and bring water, especially in warm weather.
No advance booking is normally needed for ordinary park access. Check with Rockville Parks and Recreation before planning a group event, pavilion use, or organized program.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park is about 1.2 km (~15 min walk) from Shady Grove station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Comfort Inn Shady Grove - Gaithersburg - Rockville
Hotels · 13 min walk
★ 4.2
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Gaithersburg
Hotels · 31 min walk
★ 4.3
Rock Creek Regional Park
Places to visit · 33 min walk
★ 4.7
Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center
Hotels · 33 min walk
★ 4.4
Bohrer Park
Places to visit · 35 min walk
★ 4.6
Guapo's Cocina & Bar
Restaurants · 35 min walk
★ 4.4
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park from Shady Grove station?
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park is about 1206 m (roughly 15 min walk) from Shady Grove station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park rated?
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 667 reviews.
What's near Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Comfort Inn Shady Grove - Gaithersburg - Rockville, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Gaithersburg, Rock Creek Regional Park.
Is Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking.
Is there parking near Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park?
Google lists these parking options near Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park: free parking lot, paid parking lot, free street parking.
Is Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park good for children?
Yes — Google lists Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park?
Yes — Google lists Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park as dog-friendly.
Is Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park free to visit?
Yes. General access to this public park is generally free, although permits may be required for reserved facilities, organized events, or certain activities.
Do I need a reservation?
Not for a normal personal visit. Contact Rockville Parks and Recreation if you want to reserve a pavilion, organize a group activity, or hold an event.
How long should I plan to stay?
About 30 minutes to 1.5 hours is reasonable for a short stroll, playtime, or picnic; families may stay longer.
Are restrooms guaranteed to be available?
No. Restroom availability is not confirmed in this information, so plan accordingly and check on arrival.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs should generally be leashed and owners should clean up after them. Follow any posted restrictions and do not assume that off-leash use is allowed.
Is the park suitable for children?
It is generally considered family-friendly, with outdoor recreational space and playground-oriented use. Supervision is still required.
Is parking available?
Parking may be available on site or nearby, but capacity and restrictions can change. Follow current signs.
What should I bring?
Water, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and—if visiting for a picnic—your own food and supplies. Bring waste bags if traveling with a pet.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.