Governor O’Malley Announces BPW Approval Of Local Recreational Projects In Dorchester, Frederick And Washington Counties

Annapolis, Md. (May 18, 2011) - Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of recreational projects in Dorchester, Frederick and Washington Counties through local-side Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.

“Providing recreational opportunities in our communities remains a high priority for us,” said Governor O’Malley. “These areas give our children great opportunities to get outside and safely enjoy their natural world.”

Dorchester County – Cambridge will receive $84,000 to upgrade Meadow Avenue Park with the installation of a new picnic pavilion, a play structure for 2-5 year olds and a play structure for 5-12 year olds. The play equipment will be handicap accessible with wood fiber surfacing.

“The funding for Meadow Avenue Park will assist the city of Cambridge in its continued focus on family friendly projects for our communities,” said Cambridge Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley.

“The importance and value of providing safe recreational areas in a community cannot be understated,” said Gage Thomas, commissioner of the fourth ward. ”Playgrounds are essential for improving the overall quality of life. Local children will no longer have to risk walking or biking to distant areas across the city to enjoy the same amenities that will be offered at the Meadow Avenue Playground. I'm truly grateful for an investment that will have a measurable impact on both our youth and our community, for many years into the future.”

Frederick County – Brunswick – will receive:

Washington County will receive $18,000 to develop two batting cages for pre-game warm-up, raise the existing height of the baseline fences for safety and install nylon netting between the backstops and concession stands as Kemps Mill Park.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 975 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, totaling more than $287 million through local-side Program Open Space since 2007. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 354,892 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 a 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.