News from the DNR Office of Communications

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES BPW APPROVAL OF PROGRAM OPEN SPACE RECREATIONAL PROJECTS IN SIX COUNTIES

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 20, 2010) — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of recreational projects in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Somerset Counties through Program Open Space.

"Working together with our local partners, we are continuing to invest in a more sustainable future for our children, increasing their access to our great outdoors, safer play areas and open spaces,” said Governor O’Malley.

Today the Board of Public Works approved the following projects:

Allegany County - Frostburg will receive $27,000 to construct a concession/restroom building approximately 36' by 36' with related electrical and water utilities at the Frostburg Recreation Complex. $24,000 was previously approved by the Board of Public Works for this project.

Carroll County - New Windsor will receive:

  • $90,698 to construct an ADA bathroom at New Windsor Lions Club Park, that will adjoin the existing pavilion complete with water and sewer lines. In addition, these funds will be used to construct a handicapped-accessible walking path, improve the existing driveway and parking lot, and install ADA playground equipment and park amenities.
  • $25,200 to replace outdated benches and playground equipment and install timber walls, lighting, safety surfacing, and fencing around Atlee Ridge Tot Lot.
  • $28,849 to develop two new monuments in New Windsor War Memorial Park that will honor those individuals that served our Country since the Vietnam conflict. In addition, this project will fund the restoration of two rare and historic Japanese cannons, install park benches, landscaping, and sidewalk repairs.
  • $9,000 to renovate New Windsor Main Street Park's historic water fountain to include a plaque for historical interpretation, upgrade the fountain's electrical system and make landscaping improvements.

    • Frederick County - Thurmont will receive $15,461 to install 2 bleacher units, playground safety surface with borders, 400 feet of 4-foot high fencing, benches, a picnic table, and exercise stations at Eyler Road Park.

    Montgomery County: The county will receive $25,000 to prepare a plan for the reuse of the Sligo Creek Golf Course property including an Interim Use Plan with related Operation and Use Guidelines and Costs and alternative concepts for long term use of the park including a range of uses from Natural Garden Preserve to a “Fun for All Ages” Recreation Park; as well as develop guidelines for location and construction of future dog parks.

  • Rockville will receive:
  • $455,562 to develop phase three of Mattie Stepanek Park (previously known as King Farm 28 Acre Park). Development includes: athletic fields, parking lot paving and lighting, football fields, interior park paths, and construction of a restroom/snack bar/storage building.
  • $31,550 to develop phase four of Mattie Stepanek Park including the purchase and installation of bleachers for the north and south recreation fields.

    • Prince George's County

  • Greenbelt will receive $470,500 to design and construct a 2,400 s.f. addition to the existing Springhill Lake Recreation Center. Renovations to the existing recreation facility include new mechanical equipment, energy efficient fixtures and new flooring. The addition and renovation will enable the City to enhance existing recreation programs and allow development and implementation of complimentary programs such as before and after school recreation opportunities, health fitness programs for seniors, and creative and performing arts classes for all ages. The project will incorporate environmental site design practices. Stormwater Management will be achieved through bioretention devices, rain gardens, and rain barrels. Green Building techniques will be used such as light colored roofing, low-emission materials in interior finishes, renewable/recycled materials, on-site recycling program, water conserving toilets and occupant sensors, managed construction waste, energy efficient lighting and light fixtures that reduce light pollution.

  • Laurel will receive $33,500 to renovate three tennis courts at Greenview Drive Park. The courts are in need of resurfacing and repairs due to cracking. In addition, new nets, net posts, wind screens, and benches will be installed.

  • Cheverly will receive $9,884 to develop a combination concession stand/stage facility for Town Park.

    • Somerset County will receive $94,500 to install a new playground system, trail fitness system, pavilion, and a picnic area at the County’s Centralized Recreation Complex. This is Phase #3 of the development of the complex, which already includes 6 irrigated multipurpose fields (Phase #1) and a concession/bathroom area and walking/biking trail (Phase #2). The playground will be installed with appropriate grading, borders, and safety surfacing, which will maintain a pervious surface to allow drainage. Four fitness stations will be installed along the walking/biking trail that will encircle the multipurpose fields.

    Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW preserved more than 26,056 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 346,784 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 is comprised of Governor O'Malley (Chair), 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.

       January 20, 2010

    Contact: Josh Davidsburg
    410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
    jdavidsburg@dnr.state.md.us

    The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 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