Governor O'Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Local Recreational Projects In Dorchester, Montgomery Counties

Annapolis, Md. (November 17, 2010) — Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of recreational projects in Dorchester and Montgomery Counties through Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.

"While Program Open Space has allowed us to add new outdoor recreational opportunities, we must also maintain and improve existing playgrounds and other recreational areas that our families and children enjoy on a regular basis,” said Governor O’Malley.

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

Dorchester County will receive $63,000 to replace the main drain/filter line at the Dorchester County Pool.

“The Dorchester County Pool accounts for a large part of public recreation for children in our County,” said Dorchester County Manager Jane Baynard.

In the summer of 2010, 20,473 people, including thousands of children, enjoyed the Dorchester County Pool.

“Without the use of Program Open Space funds, the Council would be unable to undertake this replacement and may have had to close the facility,” said Dorcester County Councilman Jay Newcomb.

Montgomery County – Gaithersburg will receive $76,000 to replace the existing playground equipment with handicapped-accessible equipment that meets current national safety standards in the Washingtonian Woods Park Playground. In addition, this project will install a safety playing surface and restore the site with landscape enhancements.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 934 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, totaling over $281,469,656 through local-side Program Open Space since 2007. This is about 16 percent of the projects funded since the program’s inception in 1969.

A video showing the direct benefits of Program Open Space can be viewed here.

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 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 (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