Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of POS Funding for Parks in Montgomery County
BPW allocates $2,016,500 to Montgomery to fund four projects
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Reaffirming his position that parks serve important recreational, ecological and social functions, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced today Board of Public Works approval of $2,016,500 for four projects in Montgomery County. The funds are committed to the county through Program Open Space (POS), which is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“I am pleased that Maryland is able to support park projects in Montgomery County,” said Governor Ehrlich. “Virtually everyone uses parks as they contribute to our quality of life and encourage family activities.”
The bulk of the Montgomery County funds will pay for a second phase of development at Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park, which occupies 294 acres. This second phase includes two softball fields, an agricultural-themed playground to reflect the history of the area, paved hiking trails, a parking area, an internal access road, facilities for storm-water management, and landscaping. The funding amount is $1,598,000.
The remainder of the Montgomery County allocations will fund three projects.
DNR’s Program Open Space is a nationally recognized program that provides funding for Maryland’s state and local parks and conservation areas. More than 3,000 county and municipal parks and conservation areas have been built through the program, improving the quality of life for millions of Marylanders.
- The Board approved $47,000 to construct a pedestrian plaza outside the main entrance of Penn Place in Garrett Park. At Penn Place, residents of the town pick up their mail at the post office, sign up for town activities, and vote in town elections. The building itself is now undergoing renovations that will preserve its historic character.
- The Board approved $256,500 to acquire three additional acres for North Branch Stream Valley Park. The park follows the North Branch stream from Route 108 to Rock Creek Regional Park. The park has 219 acres but will ultimately contain more than 500 acres.
- The Board approved $115,000 to acquire two additional acres for Fairland Recreational Park. The land is unimproved and will be part of the bicounty park that straddles the Montgomery and Prince George’s boundary.
Posted May 20, 2004