Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of $1.5 Million For Recreation Projects In Baltimore City And 7 Counties

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ANNAPOLIS — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the Board of Public Works has approved more than $1.5 million in local Program Open Space (POS) funding for recreation projects at parks in Baltimore City and seven counties.

“Replacing old, weathered equipment with colorful, handicapped-accessible, play stations ensures the safety of our children," Governor O’Malley said. “This investment in our young people is a great way to get kids outside to enjoy the health, educational and spiritual benefits of fresh air and exercise.”

The board approved funding for the following projects:

Baltimore City will receive $295,000 for new playground equipment and renovations at three parks, including $65,000 at Andover and North Hill Park, $120,000 at George Washington Elementary School and $110,000 at the William McAbee Park.

Caroline County will receive $310,477, including $281,109 for new equipment at the Denton Elementary School playground and $29,368 for playground equipment at the Federalsburg Marina Park.

Dorchester County will receive $84,340 to develop a playground at a new park on Main Street in Hurlock.

Garrett County will receive $188,072 to expand and improve the handicapped accessible Crystal Spring Boardwalk trail in Mountain Lake.

Montgomery County will receive $74,270 to resurface six courts at the Cabin John Indoor Tennis facility.

Prince George’s County will receive $353,450, including $331,200 to acquire 1.59 acres as an addition to the Riverdale Community Center; and $22,250 to repair a basketball court in Cheverly.

Talbot County will receive $200,000 for playground equipment and improvements at parks in the Neavitt and Bellevue communities.

Worcester County will receive $32,011, including $11,753 for playground equipment and improvements at Winter Quarters Golf Course in Pocomoke and $20,258 for a new skateboard area and playground equipment at Cypress Park in Pocomoke.

The Board of Public Works also approved stateside Program Open Space acquisitions of 350 acres in Charles County, and 34 acres next to South Mountain State Park.

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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July 16, 2008

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