Governor O’Malley Announces Parks And Recreational Projects In Anne Arundel, Montgomery And Queen Anne’s Counties

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Annapolis, MD  — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of local Program Open Space projects in Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Queen Anne’s counties.

“All children should have the opportunity to play in parks and recreational facilities that are safe, fun and easily accessible,” said Governor O’Malley. “Through these projects, we enhance these opportunities in our local communities and ensure that every Maryland child can enjoy and experience our beautiful outdoors.”

Anne Arundel County will receive $271,596 for the design and installation of a new artificial turf playing field at Broadneck High School in Annapolis.

Montgomery County will receive $275,000, including $250,000 to design and construct an outdoor riding ring, cross country eventing course, parking areas and restored historic buildings to hold events and activities at Woodstock Equestrian Park in Beallsville, and $25,000 to complete the Northwest Branch Recreational Park plan and begin preliminary planning for their 2010-2011 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan, which identifies future park activities and improvements for the county.

Queen Anne’s County will receive $230,000 for renovations to the restored Matapeake Clubhouse, including a restroom facility, access road, parking and a bioretention area to curb stormwater runoff and water quality. Prior to the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Matapeake Clubhouse, built in 1936, served those traveling to and from Matapeake and Sandy Point via bay ferry.

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.

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May 6, 2009

Contact: Megan Rhoads 410-260-8001 mrhoads@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