“Developing the Countys railroad right-of-way into a hiking, biking and equestrian trail will provide numerous recreational, tourism and transportation opportunities,” said Francis Jack Russell, President, Board of County Commissioners. “This award will assist the County with approximately 50% of the Phase V construction costs and help us promote the health and recreational benefits of walking, running, biking and other types of exercise.”
The three-mile Phase V section of the trail runs from John V. Baggett Park in Laurel Grove to MD 5 in Mechanicsville. Baggett Park will serve as a trail hub in this area, where ample parking and restroom facilities are available. Ultimately, when the entire trail is completed, it will link the established, more urban areas of Lexington Park and California to more scenic, rural areas such as Hillville, Oakville, Laurel Grove, Mechanicsville and Charlotte Hall. In addition to recreational and fitness uses, the trail is expected to serve transportation needs for those wishing to bike to attractions, shopping, Senior Centers, libraries, farmers markets, businesses and workplaces.
Other Phases of the trail are either already constructed or planned as follows:
- Phase I: This one mile section of trail from MD 236 to the Northern Senior Center opened in June 2006.
- Phase II: This 2.25 mile section from the Northern Senior Center to Deborah Drive in Charles County is currently under construction and should be completed by Fall 2008.
- Phase III: This two mile section, from the Wildewood development south to the Wal-Mart shopping Center, is being constructed by private developers.
- Phase IV: Design and engineering for Phase IV-A from Wal-Mart to Chancellors Run Road is complete (about mile) and construction is expected to begin in 2008. Design and engineering for
- Phase IV-B from Chancellors Run Road to Pegg Road (Gate 1 of Patuxent River Naval Air Station) will be coordinated with the construction of FDR Boulevard.
- Other phases: Construction of Phases VI through IX, from Wildewood north to Baggett Park and from MD 5 to north to MD 236 in Mechanicsville, is planned for FY11 and beyond as funding permits.
For more information on the Three Notch Trail, please contact the Department of Recreation and Parks at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1811 or log on to www.stmarysmd.com/recreate.