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Governor O’Malley Announces Support For 10 Local Park Improvement Projects
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of local-side Program Open Space (POS) funds for improvements at 10 park and recreation facilities in seven counties across Maryland.
“Local governments and working families rely on local-side Program Open Space to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities in their communities," said Governor O'Malley. "I remain committed to continuing to fulfill my promise to support state investment in community parks across Maryland and I am happy to see these local projects moving forward.”
Funding for the following projects was approved today:
- Allegany County will receive $4,950 to develop a plan to address stormwater drainage issues at the 5.5-acre Holly Avenue Recreation Complex in LaVale.
- Caroline County will receive $851,186 to create a new community park and expand public waterfront access to the Choptank River, specifically:
- A $449,250 grant to purchase 26+ acres to create a new community park in Marydel. The proposed park is within walking and biking distance of a large residential area and in close proximity to established community centers. Once completed the new park will offer playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic pavilions and walking paths.
- A $401,936 grant to purchase 1.22 acres adjacent to the existing Ganey’s Wharf boat ramp on the Choptank River in Preston. The acquisition enables expansion of the boat ramp while making site improvements to benefit the Chesapeake Bay. Improvements to the site include establishing a soft shoreline buffer area to provide natural wildlife habitat and shoreline erosion prevention. Additionally, the county plans to redesign public access to the boat ramp to enhance stormwater run-off protection from parking areas and reduce impervious surfaces within the critical area.
- Cecil County will receive a $49,445.20 grant to finance construction of a maintenance equipment storage building for the 164-acre Chesland Park in Elkton.
- Frederick County will receive $281,764 for two local park improvement projects including:
- A $275,000 grant to expand Meadow Park by 1.75 acres so that it connects with Myersville’s Main Street through a series of trails.
- A $6,764 grant to construct two dugouts and a shed at the East West Park Ball Field in Mount Airy.
- Garrett County will receive $4,127 to install a scoreboard on the 4+ acre little league field at Town Park East in Accident.
- Howard County will receive a $50,000 grant to analyze the need for and establish a plan for development of aquatic recreational facilities in the county.
- Wicomico County will receive $68,500 for two local park and community center improvement projects including:
- A $36,000 grant will fund repairs to the Gordy Park Basketball Court in Delmar.
- A $32,500 grant will fund installation of pedestrian lighting, landscaping and parking areas at the recently constructed Hebron Community Center.
Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved 1,911+ acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 322,729 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded through Program Open Space.
Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.
April 2, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.