Governor O'Malley Announces BPW Approval for
Parks and Recreational Projects In Six Counties
Protection for Wildlife Habitats, Funding for New Parks and Playground Are OK’d

---

Annapolis, Md. — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of local Program Open Space projects in six counties, enhancing recreational opportunities and preserving environmentally sensitive land for the use and enjoyment of working families across Maryland.

“Through these acquisitions and projects, we are protecting valuable wildlife habitat and preserving the natural beauty of some of our state’s most engaging landscapes, and we are enhancing our parks and recreational facilities in communities throughout Maryland,” Governor O’Malley said.

The board approved funding for the following:

Anne Arundel County will receive more than $5.8 million for four projects, including $1.9 million to acquire seven wooded acres along Galloway Creek; $1.7 million to acquire 33 acres for a new park in Millersville; $1.4 million to acquire 26 acres for a community park in Galesville and $704,000 to acquire 30 acres along the headwaters of the South River.

Baltimore County will receive $299,804 for major renovations to the Merrick House at Cromwell Valley Park.

Garrett County will receive $26,200 to install playground equipment at Rotary Park, near downtown Oakland. In addition, the board approved $776,908 for conservation easements for 267 acres of agricultural and forest land in Garrett County through Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program. Since 1997, more than 58,595 acres of forest and farm land throughout the state has been preserved through the nationally acclaimed program to protect the rural character of the state’s communities from sprawl development.

Montgomery County will receive $304,000, including $160,000 to replace playground equipment at Woodley Gardens Park in Rockville; $44,000 to plant oak, evergreen and flowering trees and other plants in the Music of the World area of South Germantown Recreation Park; and $100,000 for landscaping at the Gaithersburg International Latitude Observatory Park.

Prince George’s County will receive $30,000 for landscaping and fencing to create a dog park area at the Leo E. Wilson Community Park in Laurel.

Washington County will receive $107,000 to install play equipment and other improvements at four community parks in Hagerstown.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 8,807 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 326,280 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 by 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 15, 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.