State Approves Recreation Enhancements at Parks throughout Maryland

Recreation areas in Allegany, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Washington and Wicomico counties will soon receive funding for upgrades through Program Open Space. Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved the projects at today’s meeting in Annapolis.

“Today’s extensive Program Open Space agenda is full of great projects that will benefit Marylanders all across the State for many years to come,” said Governor O’Malley. “From tot lots and nature play spaces, to basketball courts and swimming pools, we are continuing to improve and create opportunities for families to safely enjoy their communities and natural world.”

In Allegany County, Midland will receive $10,000 to renovate the playground area at Baker Memorial Park with equipment consistent with the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

In Caroline County, Ridgely will receive $17,510 to renovate the playground area at Martin Sutton Park. Work includes the addition of an ADA-accessible pathway extending from the parking area to the existing playground, and new play equipment and safety surfacing consistent with NPPS and ADA standards. Additionally, Federalsburg will receive $56,386 to resurface the existing basketball court and add new court amenities at Marina Park.

In Carroll County, Westminster will receive $188,000 to replace the playground and safety surfacing at the Charles Street Tot Lot with items that meet NPPS and ADA standards. Westminster will also receive $28,980 to replace benches and street lamps at Belle Grove Square Park with benches and energy-efficient lighting designed to look historic. Manchester will receive $45,000 to purchase and install playground equipment and safety surfacing consistent with NPPS and ADA standards at Christmas Tree Park.

Also in Carroll County, Union Bridge will receive $20,000 to extend the existing 5-foot-wide and 3,500-foot-long hiking/biking trail by 1,800 linear feet to provide visitors access to more of Union Bridge Wetlands Park and its natural wonders.

In Charles County, La Plata will receive $47,000 to construct a walking trail from the entrance of the Kings Grant subdivision to Tilghman Lake. This will connect to an existing trail around the lake and another trail loop north of Tilghman Lake Park, creating a 5-mile loop.

In Frederick County, Woodsboro will receive $129,356 to replace the aging playground at Woodsboro Regional Park with equipment and safety surfacing consistent with NPPS and ADA standards.Emmitsburg will receive $17,610 to resurface the basketball and tennis courts, and add new court amenities at Emmitsburg Community Park.

Also in Frederick County, Middletown will receive $35,904 to develop a 2-acre off-leash dog park within the existing Meadow Park East. Myersville will receive $11,000 to construct a 16- by 20-foot scenic overlook pavilion along the hiker/biker trail at the 22-acre Myersville Park.

In Garrett County, Friendsville will receive $169,000 to purchase and install a stadium lighting system at Friendsville Community Park that is energy efficient and minimizes light pollution.

In Kent County, Rock Hall will receive $166,821 to replace an aging playground at Rock Hall Civic Center with new equipment and safety surfacing consistent with NPPS and ADA standards.

In Montgomery County, Poolesville will receive $155,000 to develop a new park within the Brightwell Crossing Subdivision to serve the needs of town residents. New park facilities will include bathrooms, a basketball court, picnic pavilion, tables, benches and other amenities.

In Prince George’s County, Fairmount Heights will receive $140,540 to develop the 60th Avenue Community Park, designed to be intergenerational and pet-friendly. The new park will feature a natural play space for children to explore their surroundings, which features many native plants and small animals. The funding will go toward the installation of trees, a splash pad, tables, park benches, game tables, shade structures, drinking fountains and trash receptacles. Brentwood will receive $90,000 for Bartlett Park to replace the rubber surfacing at the tot lot, and woodchips at the larger park, with turf seamless surfacing.

In Prince George’s County, Greenbelt will receive $98,342 to construct a new tot lot at Belle Point Neighborhood Park that is consistent with NPPS and ADA standards. Hyattsville will receive $120,000 to replace the existing playground at Hyatt Park with new equipment and safety surfacing consistent with NPPS and ADA standards. Bowie will receive $44,284 to replace the existing tot lot playground at Linear Park with new equipment and safety surfacing consistent with NPPS and ADA standards.

In Prince George’s County, New Carrollton will receive $23,317 to construct a dog park on City property that will feature an area for off-leash exercise, and will serve as a community gathering space. Seat Pleasant will receive $53,450 to develop the new Seat Pleasant Fit and Fun Park on a vacant 4-acre parcel of land. The park will feature a trail equipped with outdoor fitness stations to provide the community with a convenient, structured place to exercise. It will also include a play station for children ages 5-12 and amenities for all users.

Also in Prince George’s County, Forest Heights will receive $28,000 to create a new open play space located at Mohican Drive and Fox Way for children ages 2 to 5. The tot lot will be consistent with NPPS and ADA standards. The town also received a $20,000 grant from KaBOOM! to go toward the playground.Laurel will receive an additional $75,000 to install a new skate park and replace an aging playground at Centennial Community Park with one that meets current NPPS and ADA standards. Additional work will include establishing a concrete path, along with new plantings, fencing and upgraded drainage.

In Washington County, Hagerstown will receive $30,000 to upgrade the Claude M. Potterfield wading pool with spray amenities.

In Wicomico County, Delmar will receive $48,271 to purchase and install playground equipment and safety surfacing consistent with NPPS and ADA standards.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 1,389 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, totaling more than $361 million through local-side Program Open Space since 2007.

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for the State to preserve 367,977 acres for open space and recreation areas. Of this, 46,936 acres ─ nearly 12 percent ─ has been preserved within the past seven years under the O’Malley-Brown Administration. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space. A video showing the direct benefits of Program Open Space can be viewed here.

The three-member Board of Public Works is comprised of Governor O’Malley (chair), Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.