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Governor O’Malley Announces Recreation And Land Acquisition Projects In Prince George’s County
Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of land acquisitions and local park improvements in Prince George’s County through Program Open Space, enhancing recreational opportunities and preserving environmentally sensitive land for the use and enjoyment of working families in Maryland.
“These projects will help ensure that every child will have an area close to home where they can learn more about Maryland’s rich history, interact with members of their community and explore their natural world,” said Governor O’Malley. “Spending time in the outdoors at an early age fosters a connection that can be built upon as they grow, laying the foundation for a generation of active environmental stewards.”
Prince George’s County will receive $3.36 million, including:
- $600,000 to construct an innovative playground with water features and large picnic pavilions to use for community and family events at Walker Mill Regional Park in District Heights,
- $249,750 to acquire a .25 acre parcel of land to preserve the historic Van Horn-Mitchell House, which has been reported to be once part of the Underground Railroad and was home to Benjamin and Clara Mitchell, leaders of the Washington Nation of Islam community who hosted many leaders of the African American Community in their home,
- $698,310 to acquire five acres to add to the existing 21-acre Glenn Dale Community Center Park, to provide the opportunity to possibly expand the Community Center site in the future,
- $357,156 to acquire .1 acres to create an urban gateway park at the southeast corner of Edgewood Road and Baltimore Avenue (US Route 1) in College Park, which will include wayfinding signage to the Hollywood Commercial District and the Greenbelt Metro Station as well as provide a safe and pleasant refuge for pedestrians trying to cross the busy intersection,
- $871,560 to acquire 2.2 acres of land owned by the Wynne family, which will preserve the Hyatt Park, a small public playground and play field that serves the surrounding residential community in Hyattsville,
- $113,261 to replace existing playground facilities at McDonald Field, Greenwood Village, and Mandan Road in Greenbelt with new play equipment including swings, spring toys, climbing structures and safer surfacing,
- $300,000 to provide renovations to the historic Montpelier Mansion and Arts Center to accommodate increased class participation, house tours and festivals held at the mansion, including the construction of pavilions for outdoor educational art and historic classes, installation of exterior electrical upgrades for use during festivals and safety upgrades to improve access and circulation during large outdoor events, and
- $173,225 to provide renovations to Braden Tennis Courts in Greenbelt, including court resurfacing, improved fencing, and outdoor lighting replacements.
Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW preserved more than 21,881.76 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 341,592.85 acres for open space and recreation areas. 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.
May 6, 2009 Contact: Megan Rhoads
410-260-8001
mrhoads@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