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Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval For Recreational Projects In Five Counties
New Youth Baseball, Lacrosse, and Soccer Fields Among Projects Approved
Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of funding through local Program Open Space for projects in five counties to enhance recreational opportunities for Maryland’s working families.
“Through these important grants, we are ensuring that families in some of the fastest growing regions of our state have the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonder of our great outdoors close to home, while protecting significant acreage for conservation,” Governor O’Malley said.
The board approved funding for the following projects:
Frederick County will receive $991,225, including $967,500 for the acquisition of a 216-acre farm for a district park that provide recreational opportunities for the Jefferson and Brunswick communities; and $23,725 to install soccer goals, basketball hoops and other amenities at Wiles Branch Park in Middleton.
Harford County will receive more than $1.2 million, including $250,000 to develop a soccer field, lacrosse field and baseball diamond at Prospect Mill Park in Bel Air; and $597,000 to acquire an additional 3.8 acres that will be used for youth sports at Friends Park in Forest Hill; $200,000 to develop a new community park in Edgewood; and $200,000 to provide an environmentally friendly town commons at Reckord Armory Park in Bel Air.
Montgomery County will receive more than $1.1 million toward the acquisition of 20 acres of farm land to expand South Germantown Recreational Park.
Prince George’s County will receive $493,550, including $250,000 for two little league baseball fields and playground and other amenities at North Keys Community Park in Brandywine; $236,050 for land acquisition and additional youth athletic fields and a walking path at the Alice B. McCullough Park in Laurel; and more than $7,500 for improvements to the recreational center and to add a concession stand and stage for the town park in Cheverly.
Washington County will receive $178,485 to improve access to the Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport.
Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 6,651acres 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 324,125 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.
September 10, 2008 Contact: Wiley Hall
410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
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.