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

932 Projects Funded Since 2007

“Program Open Space is critical to an organization like the Y because so much of what we do is about keeping people active,” said John Hoey, President & CEO of Y of Central Maryland. “Two years ago, this playground was burned down in an act of arson and Program Open Space money helped us. For the community to have this beautiful playground and this beautiful ball field — that is better than anything I played on as a kid and as good as anything major leaguers use — is really exceptional.”

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

Garrett County will receive $10,000 to determine the general alignment and design of proposed county trails that would connect to the Great Allegany Highlands Trail (The Great Allegheny Passage). Program Open Space funds will be utilized along with other sources to prepare easements, maps and construction documents. This project also includes a bridge design study for a proposed bridge across the Youghiogheny River near Friendsville. The design of the trail will incorporate existing county trails and identify the best connection with the popular trail that connects Washington D.C. with Pittsburgh.

Montgomery County – Poolesville will receive $60,000 to construct a playground for young children to provide open space and park facilities adequate to serve the needs of the town’s residents.

Washington County will receive:

• $240,000 to repair the dam at Devil’s Backbone Park that was built in the mid to late 1800s and is the centerpiece of the park. Due to the dam’s age and recent State inspections, it has been determined that the dam is a safety hazard. Funds totaling $180,000 were previously approved by the BPW on the Secretary’s Agenda.
• $95,961 to resurface the existing running track and runway approach facilities for the long jump, high jump, pole vault, and triple jump pits at Williamsport High School. Funds totaling $46,900 were previously approved by the BPW on the Secretary’s Agenda.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 932 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, totaling over $281,330,656 through local-side Program Open Space since 2007.

Since 2007, Governor O'Malley and the BPW preserved more than 31,002 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 351,728 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 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 (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 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