Governor O’Malley Announces Acquisition of 216 Acres for New Park in Frederick County

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of more than $991,225 for two local Program Open Space projects in Frederick County, including the acquisition of more than 216 acres of farm land for a new park near Petersville.

“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 great outdoors close to home while protecting significant acreage for conservation,” Governor O’Malley said.

The $967,500 acquisition is in a rapidly urbanizing area of the Catoctin Creek watershed that flows into the Potomac River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. The conversion of farm land to park land significantly benefits the health of the Bay and its tributaries by reducing nutrient and sediment runoff.

“We’re looking forward to a great partnership between the county and the state,” said Bob Hicks, deputy director of the Frederick County parks and recreation department. “The acquisition of the Hughes farm will provide recreation facilities such as athletic fields and playgrounds for families in the nearby communities of Brunswick and Jefferson while helping to preserve our natural resources.”

The BPW also approved $23,725 to install soccer goals, basketball hoops and other recreational amenities at Wiles Branch Park in Middleton.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW preserved more than 6,651 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 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 11, 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.