Calvert County Agrees To Bring KABOOM! To Cove Point Playground

LUSBY, Md. — Calvert’s Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) agreed to a community partnership to bring playground nonprofit KABOOM! on board to replace the smaller playground at Cove Point Park at their March 10 meeting.

KABOOM! Inc. is a national nonprofit dedicated to building and improving playspaces. For more than 25 years, they have partnered with municipal agencies and funders to renovate aging playgrounds like the one in the back of Cove Point Park.

The Department of Parks & Recreation (CCPR) manages the small playground located at 750 Cove Point Road in Lusby, which is well past its lifespan and in need of replacement. To complete the renovation, KABOOM! will first lead a design day with local children and adults to gather input and shape the final layout. They will then collaborate with a playground vendor and CCPR to finalize the design. Construction will occur during a three-day build week, bringing together community volunteers and partners to assemble the new playground.

KABOOM! requires community partners to approve a Community Partner Agreement before moving ahead with the project. In this project, the Board of County Commissioners will serve as the Community Partner.

The primary source of funding for the project is a contribution by the Funding Partner, Constellation Energy. CCPR’s contribution is estimated at less than $500 for a soil test, disposal fees for the existing playground equipment, a dumpster rental and additional hand tools needed for build week.

Park and Safety Division Chief Amanda Stillwagon said that CCPR is working with numerous partners around Southern Maryland to fund the project, and KABOOM! helps bring everyone together.

CCPR is also updating the larger playground at Cove Point Park, the cost of which is currently $1.3 million, through capital improvements funds. The smaller playground will be more like a “tot lot,” and Stillwagon said this will help families with kids of multiple ages enjoy the park together.

“We need this at Cove Point Park. We need this,” Stillwagon said.

The design day is currently scheduled for March 18, 5:30-8 p.m., at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, located at 11352 H.G. Trueman Road in Lusby. Stillwagon said she hopes to see lots of local kids and groups involved. CCPR will also be looking for volunteers for build day for the playground.

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