Recreational Projects in Anne Arundel, Frederick and Wicomico Counties to See Enhancements

Annapolis, Md. (July 11, 2012) ─ Recreational Projects in Anne Arundel, Frederick and Wicomico Counties will soon receive funding for necessary upgrades and additions through Program Open Space. Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved the projects at today’s meeting in Annapolis.

“Maryland is committed to preserving and protecting our natural spaces,” said Governor O’Malley. “By working together with our local partners, we can continue to ensure that our children and theirs have access to quality, outdoor spaces.”

Anne Arundel County will receive a $1,100,328 reimbursement for a 57-acre area of previously acquired land, which expands the Marley Creek Greenway and Stoney Creek Park. This entirely wooded area has frontage on Nabbs Creek Road, and was obtained to help protect the Greenway.

Frederick County will receive $29,000 to develop seven exercise stations along a new, half-mile, ADA-compliant walking trail located in Emmitsburg Community Park.

Wicomico County will receive $15,000 to update Wicomico County’s Land Preservation and Recreation Plan as mandated by State law, to present the goals and objectives associated with parkland acquisition and development, agricultural preservation, and natural resource protection.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 1,083 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, totaling over $304 million through local-side Program Open Space since 2007.

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for the State to preserve more than 357,683 acres for open space and recreation areas. Of this area, 36,614 acres ─ more than 10 percent ─ have been preserved within the past 5 years under the O’Malley-Brown Administration. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space. A video showing the direct benefits of Program Open Space can be viewed here.

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. 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