Marley Run Recreation Area Needs Significant Updates To Save Park From Erosion 

HUNTINGTOWN, Md. — Marley Run Recreation Area, located at 1455 Mairfield Lane in Huntingtown, with frontage along Cox Road, is in need of significant updates to its buffer zone to save the area.

Before these updates can continue, Calvert County’s Department of Parks and Recreation has requested an amendment to the area’s buffer zone that was enacted to protect the area from erosion.

Marley Run is a 13.83-acre park featuring three baseball/softball fields. The recreation area was first established under Resolution No. 51-89, which designated the surrounding property as a Transfer Zone. As part of these conditions, Section 9 established a 100-foot no-cut, no-clear buffer along Cox Road and required planting in cleared areas.

However, erosion is occurring throughout the park, and the site faces persistent stormwater management challenges, according to a memo submitted by Parks and Safety Division Chief Amanda Stillwagon.

There is also not enough parking, and the lot is not ADA-compliant, and there are maintenance challenges due to the park’s design. In order to make the required changes, engineers and builders will not be able to honor the 100-foot buffer area.

Parks and Recreation requested a text amendment to eliminate this buffer zone while maintaining the existing 35-foot setback. Calvert County’s Planning Commission agreed to recommend this amendment to the Board of County Commissioners, who will hold a public hearing before voting.

Parks and Recreation can resume work if the text amendment is approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

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