over 60 Years of Community Excellence
Est. 1965
History of the
-Calverton Citizens Association (CCA)-
The Calverton Citizens Association (CCA) was established in 1965, just weeks after the first homeowners moved into the community. Robert Shook served as the first president, supported by officers and 16 board members, who represented residents on issues spanning education, traffic, zoning, recreation, and safety at both local and state levels.
Calverton itself is an unincorporated development straddling Silver Spring and Beltsville, initially developed by Albert W. Turner on a former sand and gravel pit. Named after Sir George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, the community grew from its original 1,100 homes to include 1,700 single-family homes, 700 apartments, and 220 townhouses, complete with schools, churches, a shopping center, and office complexes. Homes built between 1961 and 1967 originally sold for approximately $21,750.
Community and Advocacy
From its inception, the CCA became a force for community advocacy and cohesion. Bridging both Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, the association worked diligently to establish strong relationships with elected officials in both jurisdictions. Over the years, it successfully organized efforts to address local issues, including traffic, zoning, and education, ensuring Calverton had a voice in regional decision-making.
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The CCA’s Recreation Council, run entirely by volunteers, has been a cornerstone of community life. From youth sports programs like baseball, football, and basketball to annual traditions like the Easter Egg Hunt and Fourth of July Parade, the association has fostered a sense of belonging. Notably, the community collaborated to fund and construct the Calverton Pool and Swim Club, a facility still owned and operated by its members
Challenges and Triumphs
In 1969, the CCA successfully negotiated the transformation of a gravel pit into a community park. The resulting facility—complete with ball fields, tennis courts, and hiking paths—has been a hub for recreation. However, the community also faced challenges, such as the controversial composting facility introduced in the 1980s. Despite raising $30,000 and mounting organized protests, the facility operated for 19 years before sustained advocacy eventually succeeded in closing it.
A Legacy of Unity
The youthful energy of Calverton’s first residents set the tone for a thriving and engaged community. From producing local theater shows to organizing Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, which included parades, essay contests, and even a time capsule, the CCA has been instrumental in preserving Calverton’s sense of identity.
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Today, the CCA continues its mission as a watchdog for new development and a champion for the social and recreational needs of its residents. Building on the foundation laid by its first residents, Calverton remains a highly organized, civic-minded, and vibrant community, exemplifying the power of collaboration and local advocacy.
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Sources:
Charles Brannan, Don Praisner, Albert W. Turner, The Sentinel (June 24, 1976), The Free (Nov. 15, 1989), and Daniel Epps, CCA President (Jan. 1, 2011).
From the first group of homeowners who banded together in 1965 to the thriving community we are today, the CCA has been a beacon of resilience and collaboration. Through the years, we’ve achieved incredible milestones.
Today, we continue to be the voice of Calverton’s residents, addressing civic concerns, supporting local schools, and celebrating our shared heritage.