Governor Ehrlich Announces BPW Approval of $452,734 in Program Open Space Funds
for Prince George’s County
Public swimming pool and trail for hiking and biking receive funding
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Reaffirming his support for county recreation projects, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced Board of Public Works approval of $452,734 in Program Open Space funds for Prince George’s County.
“By encouraging physical activity, county recreation facilities contribute to the health of our citizens,” said Governor Ehrlich. “These projects in College Park and Fort Washington are excellent examples of this idea at work.”
The total allocation of $452,734 will fund two projects in the county.
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 4,600 county and municipal park and conservation projects have been completed through the program, improving the quality of life for millions of Marylanders.
- The Board approved $130,734 to construct the third phase of the hiker and biker trail in the city of College Park. This phase is an eight-foot-wide bicycle and pedestrian trail running for half a mile from Calvert Road to Albion Road. The trail is located within the Rhode Island Avenue right-of-way once used by a streetcar line. The plan includes landscaping, building a plaza with planters at Calvert Road to serve as a gateway to the Calvert Hills neighborhood, and installing trash receptacles, benches, signs, curbs, and gutters. When complete, the entire trail will run three miles.
- The Board approved $322,000 to renovate the Allentown Aquatics and Fitness Center in Fort Washington, a facility that serves the southern third of the county. Renovation will improve safety and usability and bring the outdoor swimming pool into compliance with building codes and ADA requirements. The project includes demolishing the concrete deck surrounding the pool, constructing a new deck with drains, and designing and constructing a new water playground.