LEONARDTOWN, Md. – During their April 23, 2024, meeting, the St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners conducted a public hearing regarding the conversion of open space for the construction of the YMCA in Great Mills.
This proposal involves the conversion of approximately 5.1152 acres of open space, primarily comprising the site of the Great Mills Pool, to accommodate the planned YMCA facility.
The Great Mills Swimming Pool Gymnastics Center program has long been a focal point of recreational activities in the area. However, the need for additional amenities, particularly the YMCA, has been recognized by the county YMCA exploratory committee. To make way for this development, the proposal seeks to repurpose the designated open space, originally acquired with assistance from the Program Open Space (POS) initiative, which aims to preserve and develop recreational areas across Maryland.
The conversion entails finding replacement properties that match the size, value, and recreational potential of the land being repurposed. The proposed alternative, the St. Mary’s County Gymnastics Center and adjacent parcels on Bradley Road has been put forth as meeting these criteria. Notably, the county retains ownership and control of both the existing and replacement properties, with only a transfer of covenants involved in the process.
During the public hearing, community members voiced their opinions on the proposed conversion. Joan Cowan expressed her support for the project, highlighting the benefits it would bring to the county. She commended the decision to acquire the gymnastics center, noting its cost-effectiveness and contribution to public recreation. Similarly, Troy Cowan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of investing in youth-oriented initiatives.
Following the public hearing, the comment period will remain open for seven days to allow further input from residents. Feedback can be submitted via email or mail, providing an opportunity for additional perspectives to be considered before final decisions are made.
To watch the full meeting, click here.
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Charles County should think about contacting the YMCA for a pool facility or invest in having CSM open their La Plata campus pool back up. Senator Ellis procured a million dollars toward a CSM pool renovation. Just think of all the money spent on Coates’s constant appeals (last I heard it was upward of $2,000,000). If that money was put toward CSM’s La Plata pool, we’d have a pool!
I’ll believe we’re getting a YMCA when it is actually built and I’m standing in front of it. I’m skeptical because they’ve been making false promises since the 90s.
It would be nice if a YMCA could be built in an area that is central to the population. Sad to say that area in Lexington Park simply isn’t very safe.