Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Recreational Projects In Eight Counties

Annapolis, Md. (September 22, 2010) —  Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of recreational projects in Anne Arundel, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Harford, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Somerset Counties through Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.

“By continuing to work together with our local partners, we are creating a more sustainable future for our children and our State,” said Governor O’Malley. “Providing safe, accessible outdoor spaces for Maryland children to connect with the outdoors instills values of awareness and responsibility in the next generation of stewards.”

Montgomery County will receive $952,000 to acquire 4.5 acres of a 20.9-acre parcel of unimproved land at South Germantown Recreational Park in western Montgomery County. The 20.9-acre Barmakian property is being acquired through four installments. This is the fourth and final installment. The first three installments totaling 16.4 acres were previously approved by the Board of Public Works. South Germantown Recreational Park is a 738.9-acre, intensively used park that is improved with soccer fields, an indoor soccer arena, baseball fields, playground areas, picnic areas, a miniature golf course, archery and golf driving ranges, tennis and basketball courts, a splash pool, indoor aquatic center, agricultural museum, a lake for model boating, and parking.

“During these difficult economic times any and all grant assistance is critical to the Commission for making important capital investments in its park system,” said Bill Gries, Land Acquisition Specialist for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in Montgomery County. “The future development potential of the Barmakian property will give us the opportunity to offer the citizens of Montgomery County additional options for their recreational pursuits.”

In Somerset County, Crisfield will receive $136,000 to install a Municipal Park hiking/biking trail linking the city’s waterfront park and downtown business area. The trail will be handicapped accessible. A large portion of the project traverses an abandoned railroad bed which will be covered with crushed oyster shells to provide a pervious surface. The remainder of the trail will also utilize pervious materials which will have minimal to no effect on stormwater runoff.

“The Municipal Park Project here in Crisfield is one of our cornerstones to improving the quality of life,” said Mayor Percy J. Purnell, Jr.

The Board of Public Works also approved the following projects:

Anne Arundel County – Annapolis will receive $61,000 to renovate the existing play area with new ADA compliant and age appropriate playground equipment at Chambers Park. Park benches, landscaping and other site amenities will also be included to make the park more attractive and user friendly for park patrons.

Caroline County – Hillsboro will receive $70,000 to replace an old metal swing set and arch climber at Hillsboro Town Park with new play equipment that meets current National Playground Safety Standards. In addition, this project will install four stations of exercise equipment along the park’s existing walking path.

Cecil County – Chesapeake City will receive $91,000 to replace hazardous playground equipment at Ferry Slip Park with play equipment and safety surfacing consistent with National Playground Safety Standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, this project will install picnic tables, a bike rack, benches, and trash receptacles.

Charles County – La Plata will receive $100,000 to construct a restroom facility at Tilghman Lake Park to service a 150 seat pavilion that overlooks the lake. Included in the construction is the installation of a force main out to the town sewer as well as a water line to service the restroom facility.

Harford County will receive $22,751 to acquire two parcels totaling 27.99 acres with frontage on MD 23 adjacent to the Rural Village of Jarrettsville, Md. Over several years, the total amount of eligible Program Open Space assistance requested for this project will be $1,324,000. This site will be used for development of an indoor recreation facility with passive parkland. The land is well suited for development of this facility as it lies less than 1/4 mile from the Jarrettsville Recreation Complex and Jarrettsville Elementary School. The existing structures may be used as offices, storage, and maintenance buildings. The 2.5 acre farm pond will provide for passive recreation opportunities. Funds totaling $188,000 were previously approved by the Board of Public Works.

Prince George’s County

• Bowie will receive $77,000 to install ADA accessible playground equipment appropriate for 2-12 year olds and a new wood fiber safety surface at Jericho Park. The new playground will include play structures, swings, a sky runner, coil-spring individual play structures, and benches.
• Laurel will receive $80,000 to replace an aging and unsafe play structure at Snowden Park with new ADA accessible playground equipment that meets current National Playground Safety Standards.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW preserved more than 24,323 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 345,053 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 composed 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