| Press Releases | Search DNR | DNR Home |
Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval For New Park, Playground Equipment In Calvert County
Recreation Projects in Solomons, North Beach, Receive Funding
Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of local Program Open Space projects in 11 counties, including more than $365,900 to enhance recreational opportunities for working families in Calvert County.
“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.
Calvert County will receive $200,000 to develop a playground and picnic areas at Solomons Town Center Park; $107,940 to renovate and expand the Dowell Elementary School playground and $57,960 to construct a scenic overlook in North Beach, providing visitors a pristine view of wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay.
“We appreciate the assistance that local Program Open Space provides for the town’s project to develop a neighborhood pocket park,” North Beach Mayor Michael S. Bojokles said. “The project not only provides a valuable resource for citizen recreation but also an opportunity for visitors and tourists to the town to view the Chesapeake Bay and its wetland tributaries scenery.”
The playground is part of a larger park development in Solomons and is unique in that it is adjacent to Annmarie Garden, a 30-acre public sculpture park. Plans for the Dowell Elementary School playground include the purchase of colorful new playground equipment that is handicapped accessible and appropriate for a broad range of age groups.
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 Halll
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.