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Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Improvements To Nine Parks In Four Counties
Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley this week announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of $1,256,853 in local-side Program Open Space (POS) funds for nature trails and park improvements at nine sites across the state.
“Program Open Space projects such as the ones approved today enable working families to get outdoors and enjoy our state’s bountiful natural resources,” Governor O’Malley said. “Hardworking parents, young adults, and children are taking advantage of the recreational and sports opportunities made possible through Program Open Space.”
Funding for the following projects was approved:
- Carroll County will receive $386,853 for two park improvements and to extend two trail systems, including:
- $94,500 grant for an extension to the Wakefield Valley Trail to connect users from Uniontown Road to downtown Westminster.
- $130,230 grant to construct a paved trail and recreation equipment storage building in the Town of Union Bridge community park.
- $45,123 grant for a park trail system in the 50-acre Bollinger Park, City of Taneytown.
- $117,000 grant for improvements to Memorial Park, City of Taneytown.
- Harford County will receive $253,500 to acquire a 1.5 parcel to complete road improvements at Cedar Lane Park near the Town of Bel Air.
- Montgomery County will receive $541,500 to acquire land for two parks, including:
- $288,000 grant to acquire 3.77 acres for a skate park near Poolesville.
- $253,500 grant to acquire .46 acre parcel for the Upper Paint Branch Stream Valley Park near Burtonsville.
- Queen Anne’s County will receive $75,000 for improvements at Grasonville Pond Park, including a nature trail, fishing/canoe launch piers and gazebo.
In addition to those projects, the BPW approved a $463,580 grant to Garrett County for the acquisition of 114.42 acre conservation easement in the Bear Creek Rural Legacy Area.
Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 1,953 acres of natural areas for public recreation, and watershed and wildlife protection in Maryland. Since its inception in 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 322,772 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of a project funded through Program Open Space.
Over the last year, Governor O'Malley and the BPW have approved the preservation of 1,953.38 acres of open space for 61 recreation parks in the State.
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.
May 21, 2008 Contact: Wiley Hall
410-260-8002
whall@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.