Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Land Acquisition And Recreational Projects In 3 Counties

Annapolis, MD (March 10, 2010) — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of land acquisition and recreational projects in Anne Arundel, Frederick and Worcester , Counties through Program Open Space (POS).

“This dedicated fund source continues to enable us to provide safe, accessible recreational opportunities close to home for Maryland’s working families,” said Governor O’Malley.

Today the Board of Public Works approved the following projects:

Anne Arundel County will receive $537,500 to acquire the 63-acre Boehm Property for the South River Greenway. The Greenway will provide for an extensive trail system for hiking, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation programs conducted by the Department of Recreation and Parks and the South River Federation.

Frederick County will receive $101,000 to acquire the 16-acre Belcher Property for Pleasant Walk Park in Myersville. Acquisition of this tract will provide a direct connection between current parkland and Appalachian Trail easement properties. Purchase of this property directly supports Maryland’s Children in Nature Initiative by providing the opportunity for young people to connect with nature and grow to become informed and responsible stewards of our environment.

“While recent POS acquisition of other properties in this area hinged more heavily upon protection of vulnerable natural resources, the Belcher property with its unique proximity to the Appalachian Trail and inspiring secluded surroundings will serve to reconnect the minds and hearts of our local children and many visitors that we hope will get lost in the wonders of nature this area still holds,” said Kristin Aleshire, Myersville Town Manager.

Worcester County will receive:
• $3,450 to replace the existing park sign with one that is consistent with other County signs at Bishopville Park.
• $16,603 to repave the parking area and roadway at Bishopville Park.
• $15,000 to restore basketball courts with new surfaces, line painting, poles and backboards at Showell Park.
• $8,000 to restore basketball courts with new surfaces, line painting and backboards at John Walter Smith Park.
• $1,228 for the initial development of a new community park using land donated to the County by the local volunteer fire department.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW preserved more than 26,989 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 347,717 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded Program Open Space.

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