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Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval For Parks And Recreational Projects In 11 Counties
New Hiking Trails, Athletic Fields and Playground Equipment Among Approved Projects
Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of local Program Open Space projects in 11 counties, enhancing recreational opportunities in communities across Maryland.
“Through these grants, funded from a percentage of real estate transfer taxes, we are enhancing the quality of life for Maryland’s working families by improving access to our local parks, increasing opportunities for young people to play outdoors and preserving the natural beauty of landscapes in neighborhoods across our state,” Governor O’Malley said.
The board approved funding for the following projects:
Allegany County will receive $228,200 to acquire commercial property near LaVale to serve as a trailhead for the Great Allegheny Passage/Allegheny Highlands Trail. In addition to public parking, the project allows pedestrian access to the Narrows, a spectacular water gap through which the National Road and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad pass.
Anne Arundel County will receive more than $3 million for four projects, including more than $1.9 million for the installation of synthetic turf playing fields at three high schools and more than $1 million to begin work on an 8-mile trail that eventually will connect the Baltimore & Annapolis Railroad Trail in Arnold with Bay Head Park in the Cape St. Claire area.
Baltimore County will receive more than $1.1 million to acquire 80 acres of land to establish a new community park and preserve sensitive natural areas on the Back River Neck Peninsula.
Calvert County will receive $365,900 for three projects, including $57,960 to construct a scenic overlook in North Beach, providing visitors a pristine view of wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay; $200,000 to develop a playground and picnic areas at Solomons Town Center Park and $107,940 to renovate and expand the Dowell Elementary School playground.
Charles County will receive $605,400 for the acquisition of more than 108 acres for a new community park adjacent to Doncaster State Forest.
Frederick County will receive $1,649 for the installation of six permanent trash receptacles at a park in Rosemont.
Prince George’s County will receive $310,736 for new equipment and renovations at playgrounds in Greenbelt, Brentwood and Laurel.
Queen Anne’s County will receive more than $89,000 to develop two play sites at Church Hill Elementary School playground.
St. Mary’s County will receive $425,000 for new equipment and renovations at regional parks in Great Mills and Leonardtown.
Somerset County will receive $171,000 for a sports and recreation complex in Westover.
Washington County will receive $50,000 to install a new bridge at Kirkwood Park in Hancock, replacing a bridge destroyed by hurricanes in 2004.
Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the Board of Public Works preserved more than 8,617 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 326,090 acres for open space and recreation areas. 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.
October 1, 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.