Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of POS Funding for Parks
in Prince George’s and St. Mary’s Counties
BPW allocates $501,125 to Prince George’s and $132,470 to St. Mary’s
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Demonstrating his commitment to ensuring all Marylanders enjoy the state’s open spaces, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced today Board of Public Works approval of $501,125 for the acquisition of 40 acres for a new park in Prince George’s County and $132,470 for further recreational development at Nicolet Park in St. Mary’s County. The funds are committed to the counties through Project Open Space (POS), which is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
“I am pleased that Maryland is able to support park projects in our counties,” said Governor Ehrlich. “Virtually everyone uses parks, and they contribute to our quality of life, day in and day out.”
Prince George’s County will receive $501,125 to acquire 40 acres along Route 373 to establish the new Pleasant Spring Community Park. Rapid residential growth is occurring in this area of the county. Future park development will include athletic fields, a playground, parking, and picnic areas.
St. Mary’s County will receive $132,470 to fund a second phase of development at Nicolet Park, which has 35 acres and is the oldest park in the county. Development includes two basketball courts, a picnic pavilion, hard-surface walkways, a baseball field, and nature trails.
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.
Posted May 20, 2004