Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval of Four Park Improvement Projects in Anne Arundel County

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Annapolis, Md. (January 27, 2009) — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of historical Hancock’s Resolution Park improvements, football and baseball field renovations in Pasadena and protection of critical areas through a 15.3-acre expansion of Bay Head Park.

“Through local Program Open Space projects like this one, we can continue to bring exciting, outdoor recreation opportunities to families across our State,” said Governor O’Malley. “By using environmentally sound practices in the creation of this new park, we can improve our quality of life and protect our natural resources for the enjoyment of forthcoming generations.”

Anne Arundel County will receive more than $2.4 million for four projects, including $662,000 to install a low-maintenance turf football field at Old Mill High School, $660,000 to develop a rubberized baseball field with wheelchair accessibility at Lake Waterford Park, $150,000 to provide for an entrance road and parking for the 35-acre Hancock’s Resolution Park and $947,000 to acquire15.3 acres for the existing 24-acre Bay Head Park near Cape Saint Claire.

“I would like to thank the Governor, Comptroller and Treasurer again for approving the necessary Open Space funding to enhance access to recreational facilities in Anne Arundel County for our students, families, people with disabilities and history lovers," said County Executive John R. Leopold. "As a longtime advocate for individuals with disabilities, I am particularly proud of the Field of Dreams at Lake Waterford Park, which brings the County to the forefront by providing a unique opportunity for children and adults with disabilities to enjoy this ballpark.”

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW have preserved more than 20,752 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland through Program Open Space. Since its inception in 1969, the program has provided funding for acquisition of 340,463 acres of Maryland’s landscape. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by POS.

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.

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January 28, 2009

Contact: Kara Turner 410-260-8018 katurner@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.