Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of 55-Acre Purchase For Cromwell Valley Park
Board also approves $3 million for recreation projects in 4 counties

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ANNAPOLIS — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the Board of Public Works has approved the purchase of more than 55 acres for Cromwell Valley Park that will expand Central Maryland’s recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and bird watching.

The $2.3 million purchase through the State’s Program Open Space includes some of the finest trout streams in the area and was the largest remaining privately owned property in the lands between Cromwell Valley Park, Gunpowder Falls State Park and the Loch Raven Reservoir. The land will be owned by the State and managed by Baltimore County.

“Today, we are ensuring the conservation of some of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural landscape in central Maryland,” Governor O’Malley said. “Through this important acquisition, and thanks to our partnership with Baltimore County, families throughout the region will have greater opportunities to enjoy the bounties of the great outdoors.”

Added Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, “I appreciate the State moving to acquire open space property adjacent to Cromwell Valley Park. Baltimore County will continue to explore other opportunities to partner with the State of Maryland in an effort to protect our rural landscape."

The property is a high priority conservation acquisition under Maryland’s new Program Open Space Stateside Targeting System. The ecologically based targeting approach was developed last year under the direction of Governor O’Malley to ensure the state is protecting its most strategically important landscapes to provide a lasting legacy for future generations.

The Board of Public Works also approved nearly $3 million in local Program Open Space funding for recreation and parks projects in four counties, including the construction of a visitor’s center for Anne Arundel County’s Kinder Farm Park.
The board approved funding for the following projects:

Anne Arundel County will receive $2.35 million, including $1.1 million for the visitor’s center; $650,000 to develop a new community park in the Crownsville area; and $600,000 to construct three youth baseball fields, a multi-purpose field, bleachers, lights and other amenities at the Lake Shore Athletic Complex in Pasadena.

Harford County will receive $66,000 to repair and resurface multipurpose courts at the Francis Silver Park near Darlington.

Prince George’s County will receive $52,500 to replace playground equipment at Gast Park in Cheverly.

Washington County will receive $48,000 to rehabilitate two ball fields in Hancock.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 2,556 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for the preservation of more than 323,320 acres across the state. The money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded through Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, is 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.

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June 25, 20088

Contact: Wiley Hall 410-260-8002 office  I  410-507-7526 cell whall@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland 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