Calvert Parks And Rec Requests Additional $1.1 Million For Ward Farm Park From Youth Recreational Opportunities Fund 

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County will provide additional funds for continuing projects at Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park going into this fiscal year.

Calvert’s Parks and Recreation Department sought and received approval from the Board of County Commissioners at its June 9 meeting for additional funds from the Calvert County Youth Recreational Opportunities Fund (CCYROF). The funds will go toward ongoing projects at Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park, which opened in 2022. CCYROF funds were used to purchase the property and build on it.

Calvert County previously provided a local contribution of $5,734,770 toward the project, representing approximately 31% of total project costs.

Proposed improvements include additional construction costs associated with the multipurpose community building and restrooms, construction of an access road serving the maintenance facility, and replacement of the existing well system to support current and future park operations and development.

According to a memo submitted by Parks and Recreation Director Robert Branham, the Calvert County Youth Recreational Opportunities Fund was established through Senate Bill 864 during the 2012 Maryland General Assembly session. Funding for the program is generated through a portion of Calvert County’s electronic gaming revenue. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources administers CCYROF funds. Funding requests are subject to requirements and procedures similar to those used for Program Open Space projects, including approval before expenditure of funds.

The measure was approved as part of the consent agenda in a unanimous vote by the Board of County Commissioners.