Frederick, Garrett, Kent and St. Mary’s 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 November 12th’s meeting in Annapolis.
“Whether it’s exercising with friends, playing with your children, or simply relaxing, Program Open Space offers everyone an opportunity to explore and enjoy the outdoors,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our program is now so successful that there is at least one recreation area located within 15 minutes of every Maryland family.”
Thurmont in Frederick County will receive $16,200 to develop a 7,000-square-foot, off-leash dog park within the existing East End Park. The fenced in area will include benches, drinking fountains, pet waste stations, and a climbing area for dogs.
Garrett County will receive $2,314 to install security cameras, add to the playground, and construct a new pavilion at the Avilton Community Association Public Playground. The improvements will enhance recreational opportunities for Garrett County residents. Funds totaling $30,000 were previously approved by the Board of Public Works in March 2013.
Kent County will also receive funding for enhancements at a number of parks:
$40,500 for Toal Park to purchase and install a playground consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and National Playground Safety Standards. The project also includes regrading and reseeding the existing softball field and applying a new dirt infield.
$45,000 to improve the pavilion at Turners Creek Park, adding new shingles, roof, siding and bricks at grill stations, as well as stabilizing the chimney.
$4,500 to regrade, reseed and apply new infield dirt to the existing baseball/softball field in Edesville Park.
$58,500 to regrade, reseed and enhance seven existing athletic fields at Worton Park. The funding will also be used to add shade structures, picnic tables, benches and exercise stations to the existing walking path.
St. Mary’s County will receive $200,000 in Program Open Space Local Share funding and $1.46 million in Open Space State Share funding to acquire 212 acres in Lexington Park. The land has beach access to the Chesapeake Bay and includes approximately 3,400-linear-feet of water frontage, which will allow for passive recreational and waterfront activities. This project is a partnership between the United States Navy, DNR and the county. The Navy is contributing $2.34 million toward the purchase of this property through the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program in exchange for a conservation easement to be placed on the property.
Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 1,415 recreational projects, totaling nearly $368 million through local-side Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program since 2007.
Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW preserved 48,036 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 369,077 acres for open space and recreation areas. 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.
