Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of $187,798 in Program Open Space Funds

Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of $187,798 in Program Open Space Funds
Projects will promote a variety of recreational activities

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Reaffirming his support for county park projects, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of $187,798 in Program Open Space funds that will promote a variety of recreational activities in Frederick, Montgomery, and Worcester Counties.

The Board is comprised of Governor Ehrlich, Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp.

“Today’s approvals remind us that healthy recreation comes in many forms,” said Governor Ehrlich. “A playground, a nature trail, a shoreside park for picnicking, and a basketball court are among the facilities that will be improved with these Program Open Space funds.”

A total allocation of $187,798 will fund nine projects in three counties:

Frederick County: The Board approved $22,500 for a skateboard park at the Brunswick Sports Complex in the City of Brunswick. This addition will complement existing recreational facilities, which include a volleyball court, baseball field, and football field.

Frederick County: The Board approved $7,500 to restore and improve the basketball court in Prospect Park in Mount Airy. The grant will fund resurfacing the court and replacing 150 feet of fencing.

Frederick County: The Board approved $6,000 to add signs along a nature trail that begins at the East West Park in Mount Airy. The plan calls for a main-entrance sign and trail signs that provide information about animal tracks, plants, and other matters of interest.

Montgomery County: The Board approved $29,500 to acquire 5.3 acres for expanding Black Hill Regional Park, located near Boyds. The property forms an integral part of the Ten Mile Creek Greenway and helps protect the watershed of Little Seneca Lake.

Montgomery County: The Board approved $8,551 to improve landscaping and pathways and to install game tables and wheelchair-accessible picnic benches at Flinn Park in Kensington.

Montgomery County: The Board approved $4,709 to expand the playground area, relocate swing sets, and add two swing-set bays at Reinhardt Park in Kensington.

Worcester County: The Board approved $63,000 to develop Homer Gudelsky Park in West Ocean City. An acre of donated land on the Sinepuxent Bay will be transformed from a neglected stretch of shoreline into a park designed for picnicking and fishing.

Worcester County: The Board approved $20,798 to fund the first phase of enhancements for Byrd Park on the Pocomoke River in Snow Hill. This project includes constructing a permanent restroom facility accessible to the handicapped.

Worcester County: The Board approved $25,000 to cover the cost of completing the Worcester County 2005 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, a planning project required by state law.