Bender JCC Receives Major Gift to Enhance Outdoor Recreational Spaces
Rockville, MD, January 20, 2026 – We are excited to announce the next phase of our outdoor enhancement project with the creation of the Debby and Gary Bortnick Family Courtyard. This vibrant new outdoor space will be an addition to the Paul S. Berger Sportsplex, and adjacent to the Janice Wasserman Sports Pavilion and the Margolius Fisher Athletic Field on the East Jefferson side of the campus. It is being thoughtfully designed as a beautiful and functional outdoor gathering space for our entire community.
The new space will serve as a year-round programmatic hub for Lessans Camp JCC, the Bender Early Childhood Center, and many of our strategic partners, including Potomac Soccer Association. In addition, the JCC’s rental team looks forward to welcoming even more weddings and B’nai Mitzvah celebrations that will be able to take full advantage of both the new outdoor space and the adjacent Janice Wasserman Goldsten Pavilion.
The Debby and Gary Bortnick Family Courtyard will include:
- Smooth, accessible decorative surfacing to accommodate members and guests of all abilities
- A mini amphitheater for musical performances, gatherings, and camp song sessions
- A fire pit area
- Hands-on planting and gardening areas and activities
- Permanent bench seating and picnic tables
- Shade structures
- Additional security fencing on East Jefferson
We are grateful to Debby and Gary Bortnick and their family for their tremendous generosity. This new space will complete our outdoor enhancement project that began a few years ago, adding not only a beautiful and inclusive gathering space, but also key elements that will allow us to further strengthen our programmatic offerings at the Bender JCC,” said Josh Bender, CEO.
The Debby and Gary Bortnick Family Courtyard will open this spring in time for our campers to enjoy it this summer. Look out for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in the spring.
