Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of $306,491 in Program Open Space Funds for
Maryland Counties
Counties will build recreational facilities and add parkland
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Stressing the tremendous benefits of recreational activity, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of $306,491 in Program Open Space funds for park projects in Cecil, Howard, and Washington Counties.The Board is composed of Governor Ehrlich, Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp.
“Today’s approvals allow for new and continued recreational opportunities in Maryland,” said Governor Ehrlich. “Additionally, they rectify a shortage of facilities in several of our growing communities.”
A total allocation of $306,491 will fund three projects in three counties:
- Cecil County: The Board approved $38,341 to fund the bulk of the second phase of development at Conowingo Park, located a short distance from the Susquehanna River and a mile below Conowingo Dam. The facilities to be constructed include a pavilion, a playground, a tennis court, and baseball, softball, soccer, and football fields.
- Howard County: The Board approved $218,150 to acquire 1.3 acres as an addition to the existing 80 acres of Troy Park, which lies northeast of Route 100 and south of I-95. The county plans to build lighted athletic fields and courts and to transform Troy into a 106-acre regional park that can serve the entire Elkridge community. The outdoor lighting should elicit no objections because the park is in a commercial zone and does not adjoin residential areas.
- Washington County: The Board approved $50,000 as the sixth installment towards the purchase of 34 acres to expand Shafer Park in the town of Boonsboro. This acquisition, which borders Potomac Street, is the only available land contiguous with the park, and it will allow the park to accommodate the rapid growth of Boonsboro and southern Washington County.