LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Citizens Advisory Board closed out its final meeting of the year on Dec. 4 with youth volunteer recognitions, progress updates on long-term projects and the upcoming launch of a new online registration system.
Vice Chair Jeff Kennedy opened the meeting with all members present before turning to Recreation and Parks Director Raymond Bivens, who briefed the board on ongoing initiatives, recent facility improvements and major department projects expected to shape 2026.
Nearly 3,000 Hours of Volunteer Service Recognized
The department honored youth sports volunteers nominated by their organizations, noting the group contributed more than 2,800 hours in 2025 to support athletes across soccer, football, cheer, lacrosse, field hockey and baseball.
Those recognized included:
- Tim Bettes and Kym Leyva-Johnson, Founders FC
- Joanna Winters and Chip Williams, Mechanicsville Braves Football & Cheer
- Fred and Mary Lusk, Mechanicsville Braves Lacrosse
- PaQuita Brooks and Kia Neal, Pax River Raiders Football & Cheer
- Crystal Loughary and Ashley Raley, Southern Maryland Eliminators Field Hockey
- Brittney Ridgell, St. Mary’s County Youth Organization
- Kim Blodnikar and Heather Pinkel, St. Mary’s Girls Lacrosse League
- David Facini, St. Mary’s Little League
Staff emphasized the volunteers’ long-term service and pivotal role in sustaining youth sports throughout Southern Maryland.
Director Highlights Park Improvements, Mural and New Water Taxi
Bivens reported strong turnout for the department’s first Turkey Trot at Lexington Manor Passive Park and showcased the completed mural at Baggett Park by artist Eric Jackson. The four-sided artwork features nature themes, trail elements and subtle tributes to former recreation leaders John Baggett and Phil Rollins.
He also noted positive early feedback on Leonard Hall Recreation Center’s newly leveled and warrantied roller hockey floor.
Looking ahead, Bivens presented photos of the county’s new water taxi, First Landing Explorer, expected to begin service to St. Clement’s Island in March. The vessel will nearly double passenger capacity, add a restroom and improve accessibility for school groups and special events.
County Approved for $1.6 Million Energy Modernization Grant
Bivens announced the county has secured roughly $1.6 million from the Maryland Energy Administration for solar arrays at the Gymnastics Center and Wicomico Shores Golf Club, a roof replacement at the golf course clubhouse, LED lighting upgrades across parks and potential installation of energy-efficient water heaters at restroom facilities. The projects are expected to reduce long-term operating costs.
Board Approves Annual Report
The board unanimously approved its 2025 annual report to county commissioners, which includes updates on facility upgrades, expanded programming and operational milestones, as well as a tribute to Board Chair Veronica Johnson, who died earlier this year.
Strategic Plan: Short-Term Goals Completed
Deputy Director Jessica Hale reported that the department met all 17 short-term goals in the first year of its 2024–2029 strategic plan, covering customer service, fiscal stewardship, innovation and workforce development. Sixteen mid-term goals are now underway, to be completed by late 2027.
CivicPlus Registration System Launches Dec. 18
Hale previewed the department’s transition to CivicPlus, a new online registration and facility reservation platform designed to streamline program enrollment and household account management. Residents can already create accounts, with full registration beginning Dec. 18. The system will now accept all major credit cards, including American Express. To learn more about CivicPlus, click here.
Board Discussion: Basketball Season, Field Work and Staff Support
During closing comments, one member noted that winter basketball season is beginning and said players were excited about their new jerseys, though some were initially unsure about the uniform color change. He also commended the county for “immaculate” baseball fields this year, while noting a few isolated instances where infields did not appear fully dragged. Park attendants received praise for their helpfulness and willingness to check in with coaches before field openings.
A newer board member said he has enjoyed his first few months on the board and thanked staff for their support. The schools representative reported no additional updates.
Kennedy addressed a question about whether future energy savings could help reduce league lighting fees. Bivens said the current grant funding is site-specific but broader fee discussions are expected in the future. Kennedy also reminded members that elections for chair, vice chair and the Wicomico Shores representative will take place in February.
2026 Meeting Calendar Adopted
The board finalized its 2026 meeting calendar, which includes presentations from St. Mary’s Little League, state championship student-athletes from Leonardtown High School, and briefings on therapeutic recreation, capital projects, indoor sports and accreditation. Meetings will not be held in January, April or July.
Watch the full St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Board meeting below:
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