Governor O’Malley Announces Addition of 20 Acres for South Germantown Park

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of funding to help Montgomery County purchase more than 20 acres through local Program Open Space enhancing recreational opportunities for Maryland’s working families in suburban Washington.

“Through this important acquisition, we are ensuring that families in one 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 $1.1 million purchase of former farm land will expand South Germantown Park, a popular 738-acre recreational park that features soccer and baseball fields, playground and picnic areas, a miniature golf course and driving range, tennis and basketball courts, a splash playground, an indoor aquatic museum, and hiking and biking trails.

In addition to providing more recreational opportunities, the project also conserves land that might have been used for residential development, reducing run-off into the Great Seneca Creek watershed and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.

“The approval by the state for the purchase of more than 20 acres of land at the South Germantown Park is welcome news for all the residents of Montgomery County,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “Program Open Space is a vital component in preserving our land today for a better environment in the future.”

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW 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 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.