Governor Announces BPW Approval Of Recreational Projects In 9 Counties And Baltimore City

Annapolis, Md. (September 1, 2010) —  Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of recreational projects in Allegany, Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Washington, Worcester Counties and Baltimore City through local side Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.

“These dedicated programs and funding sources allow us to continue to provide accessible recreational opportunities that are close to home for Maryland’s working families,” said Governor O’Malley. “Increasing the availability of safe outdoor spaces for children also helps instill values of awareness and responsibility in our next generation of stewards.”

Today the Board of Public Works approved the following local-side Program Open Space and Community Parks and Playgrounds projects:

Allegany County – Midland will receive $114,000 to install ballfield lighting, construct a volleyball court, and install bleachers for use at the soccer and little league field at Baker Memorial Park. The Town will also plant trees along George’s Creek to create a buffer that will help stabilize the stream bank and provide shade for park patrons.

“Installation of lights on the softball field and construction of a volleyball court will continue the transformation of an old ball field that dates to 1901 into one of the premier parks in Allegany County,” said Mayor Craig Alexander.

Baltimore County will receive $1,009,933 to develop two athletic fields, a multi-use path system, two picnic pavilions, a storage building, and related park improvements at Sweet Air Park.

“This project is designed to offer the kind of amenities that the people of Jacksonville need while offering access to the beautiful land that has come to define northern Baltimore County in Sweet Air Park," said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. "This park represents the latest addition to our County's park inventory. Only half of Sweet Air Park's 32 acres was disturbed during the project's development. The rest of the land remains in its open, natural and predominately wooded state. Since the new Jacksonville Recreation and Senior Center facility is located in Sweet Air Park, outdoor recreational opportunities like the park's paved pathways are now available for residents of any age to use and enjoy."

Caroline County – Federalsburg will receive $90,000 to upgrade the electrical service at the tennis courts and skateboard park at Chambers Park.

Cecil County – Port Deposit will receive $154,000 to develop a public restroom for park users at Marina Park.

Charles County will receive $364,750 to acquire 74.95 acres in the Bryans Road/Indian Head corridor. This area is an important population center in Charles County and has been targeted for many years as a location in need of a regional park facility. The property will satisfy both active and passive recreational demands in the western portion of the county and will provide the opportunity for future trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and athletic fields.

Frederick County –

Garrett County –

Washington County – Funkstown will receive $36,450 to renovate two existing tennis courts with a new surface, netting, fencing, and lighting.

Worcester County – Ocean City will receive $75,000 to replace the existing playground at Robin Park with a new state-of-the-art playground that conforms to the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for commercial playgrounds and American with Disabilities Act accessibility using a bonded rubber or comparable safety surface. The playground will be designed for children ages 5 through 12.

“With the support of the Department of Natural Resources through the Community Parks & Playgrounds Program, Ocean City will be able to revitalize Robin Park,” said Mayor Meehan. “By restoring a neighborhood park, complete with an ADA accessible playground, the facility will provide opportunities for families and visitors to gather, exercise, and improve their personal health. Given these uncertain and lean economic times, the Town of Ocean City’s Robin Park project would not be possible without the Community Parks & Playgrounds grant award.”;

Baltimore City will receive $200,000 to replace hazardous playground equipment with equipment consistent with National Playground Safety Standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the project will install benches, fencing, and paths to improve site accessibility.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW preserved more than 29,182 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 349,908 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 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.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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 11 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