Gaithersburg Planning Commission unanimously approves boardwalk upgrades at RIO/Washingtonian Center

A good thing at RIO/Washingtonian Center is about to get better. The Gaithersburg Planning Commission last night unanimously approved a request by the Peterson Companies to expand and upgrade the popular boardwalk around Washingtonian Lake.

This is Phase 1 of a full-property update Peterson is conducting at RIO. The boardwalk updates will include upgrading surfaces from concrete to pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine wood, new seating for pedestrians, a new stage and a new fire pit. Located at the waterfront corner of the area in question, the stage features an appropriately nautical-themed sail roof.

Peterson's Jeff Parana said the company also wants to install a turf area outside Tara Thai, similar to what they have at their National Harbor property. They also want to install a railing of the type used at National Harbor.

Commissioner Lloyd Kaufman urged Peterson to create a more welcoming pedestrian connection for people to walk between RIO and the adjacent Downtown Crown development. Parana was also asked about the status of Silver Diner, and were told it is now under construction at RIO.