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Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of 15 Local Park Improvement Projects
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley this week announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of $3,671,959 in local-side Program Open Space (POS) funds for improvements at 15 park and recreation facilities in seven counties across Maryland.
“In Maryland, local parks are often the social centers of small communities and large towns alike," said Governor O'Malley. "I remain committed to supporting Program Open Space projects to improve local outdoor recreation opportunities for children and working families in our state.”
Funding for the following projects was approved today:
- Anne Arundel County will receive $273,052 to purchase 3.5 acres adjacent to Peninsula Park, the only County owned park recreational facility on the Annapolis Neck peninsula. The acquisition enables the creation of additional playing fields for increased youth sports participation.
- Frederick County will receive $6,764 to construct two dugouts at Twin Ridge baseball fields in Mount Airy.
- Garrett County will receive $2,784 to purchase a little league batting cage for Friendsville Community Park.
- Montgomery County will receive $509,100 to purchase 27+ acres of land to expand Woodstock Equestrian Park in Beallsville and provide for a 700 foot buffer area between the indoor riding complex and private properties to the south.
- Prince George’s County will receive $73,209 to develop a dog park area with fencing, improve park water access and beautify a stream that runs through Leo E. Wilson Community Park in Laurel.
- Talbot County will receive $1,659,400 to purchase a 0.59-acre waterfront property to expand Oak Creek Landing in Newcomb. The local acquisition will increase public access to the Miles River and the Chesapeake Bay by creating a picnic area, an additional boat launch and 18 additional slips. The county will also receive $1,122,500 for eight park improvement projects including:
- $187,500 grant to install new play equipment, a pavilion and basketball court at Wittman Park.
- $52,500 grant to resurface two tennis courts at Tilghman Elementary School Park in Tilghman Island.
- $75,000 grant to upgrade play equipment, a pavilion, waterfront overlook and access and a fitness trail at Back Creek Park in Tilghman Island.
- $350,000 grant to replace existing ball field structures, add pavilions, and install ADA accessible play equipment to Perry Cabin Park in St. Michaels.
- $112,500 grant to construct a new pavilion, fire pit and patio, fitness trail and play equipment at Neavitt Community Park.
- $52,500 grant to renovate the baseball field dugouts, bleachers and fencing, and install a new scoreboard at Easton Middle School Park.
- $243,750 grant to install basketball courts, pavilions, bleachers and a fitness trail into Cordova Park.
- $48,750 grant to install new play equipment and a pavilion, and resurface the basketball court at Bellevue Park in Royal Oak.
- Washington County will receive a $25,150 grant to replace the Widmeyer Park bandstand in Hancock. The new all weather structure will be handicapped accessible.
Additionally, the BPW approved a state-side POS $107,000 acquisition of a 30.6 acre forested “in-holding” property surrounded by property owned by the Department of Natural Resources Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County. Thus, in addition to being an important ecological acquisition, the property will solve a management issue for DNR’s Forest Service.
Since January 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved over 1,946 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since its inception in 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 322,765 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of a project 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 18, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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