Recreation Upgrades Approved for Local Parks throughout Maryland

Governor Larry Hogan today announced Board of Public Works’ approval of recreational projects in Anne Arundel, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties totaling $3,028,625 through Program Open Space.

“Providing exceptional parks, playgrounds and athletic fields is essential for healthy families and communities across Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “From ensuring the safety of park-goers to expanding trail access, these projects build a better future for our state.”

The Board of Public Works approved the following local-side Program Open Space projects:

Anne Arundel County will receive $117,500 to construct a secondary entrance road to Peninsula Park that will access an existing overflow parking area. This new entrance will allow visitors to safely enter and exit the park, and it will eliminate an unsafe parking situation on Bay Ridge Road.

The county also will receive $990,200 to design and construct phase one of the South Shore Trail, to extend two miles from Hansel Drive to Waterbury Road along the southwest side of Maryland Route 175. The historic South Shore line of the WB&A Railroad provides an excellent opportunity for a pedestrian trail and bikeway that will ultimately connect Odenton to Annapolis, a distance of 14 miles. The trail will be 10 feet wide and meet all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Frederick County will receive an additional $275,200 for the acquisition of a 200-acre property to be developed as the first district/regional park. The area includes the Point of Rocks and Adamstown communities. Funds totaling $1.1 million were previously approved by the Board of Public Works.

The county also will receive $70,400 in additional funding to develop the 95-acre Urbana District Park. Work and construction includes: design and engineering, utilities, roads, parking lots, paved hiking trails, multi-purpose fields, two soccer fields, three ball fields, modular playground equipment, picnic pavilions and amenities, two restroom facilities, a maintenance and storage facility, landscaping, site amenities and site improvements. The park meets ADA and playground safety requirements and the lighting is energy efficient. Funds totaling $2.1 million were previously approved by the Board of Public Works.

Montgomery County will receive $1 million to develop a new recreational park with multiple athletic fields and other recreational opportunities at Laytonia Recreational Park in the Derwood area of Rockville. In addition to both natural and synthetic turf fields, the park will include a playground, basketball court, restroom, picnic shelter, trails and parking lot.

Also in Montgomery County, Kensington will receive $31,000 to expand the playground at St. Paul Park and replace equipment destroyed in a fire. The increased play options and new safety surfacing will allow children of all age groups to enjoy the area, including those under five. Motion- and time-censored lighting/monitoring devices will be installed to enhance safety and security.

In Prince George’s County, Greenbelt will receive $518,000 to replace the motorized roof system and surrounding flat roof of the Greenbelt Aquatic and Fitness Center’s indoor pool. The existing roofs are 23 years old and deteriorating, often leaking during heavy rain storms. The new roofing system will allow more natural light into the aquatic area, increase energy efficiency and improve air quality within the facility.

Also in Prince George’s County, Cheverly will receive $26,000 to replace outdated playground equipment at Boyd Park.

Under the leadership of Governor Hogan, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 11 recreational projects, totaling $3.24 million through local-side Program Open Space.

Program Open Space is a nationally-recognized program that symbolizes Maryland’s long term commitment to conserving the state’s natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for citizens. Since 1969, it has provided funding for acquisition of 370,231 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreation area funded by the program.

The three-member Board of Public Works is comprised of Governor Hogan (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.