Recreation Upgrades Set for Local Parks throughout Maryland

Baltimore, Caroline, Dorchester, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s and Talbot counties will receive funding for recreational enhancements through Program Open Space. Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved the projects at today’s meeting in Annapolis.

“Program Open Space ensures families in communities all across Maryland can conveniently enjoy the exciting natural wonders and diverse recreational opportunities found throughout our State,” said Governor O’Malley.

Baltimore County will receive $688,374 to design and construct a 12,000-square-foot community center, an entry road and a parking lot at Soukup Arena and Park. The community center ─ to include a gymnasium, office, restrooms, storage, vending machines, janitorial and mechanical spaces ─ will help meet the demand for indoor recreation facilities in the White Marsh area.

Caroline County will receive $323 in additional funding (original funds approved in April 2013) to go toward resurfacing and restriping the existing tennis courts at Martin Sutton Park. Work will also be done to add a tennis play backboard for single play and skill development, establish handicapped parking, and create a paved pathway from the nearby parking lot.

In Dorchester County, Cambridge will receive $100,000 to acquire 6.6 acres for Cannery Park, the site of the old Phillips Packing Company plant and the headwater stream for Cambridge Creek. The funding ─ comprised of $50,000 in POS local-side funds and $50,000 POS state-side ─ will be used to carry out stream restoration projects, and to create recreation opportunities including nature trails to connect to the city’s growing pedestrian trail network. The acquisition and future development of this property will help revitalize an important transition zone in the residential/commercial area of Cambridge. The project is a partnership between the city, county, and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. The conservancy and the city are providing the remaining $110,550 needed for the project.

In Garrett County, Friendsville will receive $5,000 to upgrade the existing lighting system at the 18-acre Friendsville Community Park. The system will be energy efficient and minimize light pollution.

Harford County will receive $70,000 in additional funding to go toward acquiring two parcels totaling 28 acres for the creation of an indoor recreation facility with passive parkland. The property is adjacent to the Rural Villages of Jarrettsville, with frontage on Maryland Route 23. The land is well-suited for development of this facility as it lies less than a quarter mile from the Jarrettsville Recreation Complex and Jarrettsville Elementary School. The existing structures may be used as offices, storage and maintenance buildings. The 2.5 acre farm pond will provide passive recreation opportunities. Funds totaling $684,893 were previously approved by the Board of Public Works for this project. Over several fiscal years, the total amount of eligible Program Open Space assistance requested for this project will be $1.32 million.

St. Mary’s County will receive $125,000 in additional funding to go toward the design and construction of a new community park on the 120-acre Hayden Farm property in Leonardtown. Plans for the park include multi-purpose athletic fields, baseball/softball fields, a playground, an off-leash dog park, restroom facilities and parking.

Talbot County will receive $13,500 to purchase and install rock barriers to serve as a traffic guide at the Talbot County Community Center, preventing cars from driving onto fields. The county will also receive $45,000 to replace approximately 2,000 feet of aging safety fencing at the center’s ballfields and playground.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 1,443 recreational projects, totaling more than $385 million through local-side Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program since 2007.

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding to preserve 370,226 acres for open space and recreation areas. Of this, 49,186 acres has been preserved the past seven years under the O’Malley-Brown Administration. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works is comprised of Governor O’Malley (chair), Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.