The Calvert County Planning Commission received an overview during their May meeting of the county’s Program Open Space (POS) plan for fiscal year 2015. The panel’s session was held Wednesday, May 21 in Prince Frederick.
According to principal planner Jenny Plummer-Welker, state jurisdictions are required to submit program plans the Maryland departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Planning before July 1 to remain eligible for POS funds.
“There are more projects listed in the annual program than are ever likely to be funded, given available resources” Plummer-Welker stated. “Listing a project does not constitute a commitment on the part of the board of county commissioners or the municipalities [Chesapeake Beach and North Beach] and the list can be amended.”
One of the newest projects included in the list is being tentatively billed as “Volunteer Park.” The 209-acre parcel is located on Ward Road in Dunkirk and was purchased by the county in February of last year. Parks and Recreation Division Chief Doug Meadows told the planning commission the park’s master plan is currently being developed. “It’s going to be a real park,” said Meadows, who explained the facility will include athletic and passive activity components. A synopsis of the park details the planned construction of playing fields, a “shared use’ natural trail system and associated facilities, restrooms, concession and maintenance facilities. The master plan is expected to be implemented once it is approved.
Meadows explained the tract was purchased with monies from the Calvert County Youth Recreational Opportunities Fund. The fund was created by the Maryland General Assembly in 2012, administered by DNR and is funded with revenue from the gaming devices currently featured at several Chesapeake Beach businesses.
Meadows said two public meetings on the master plan will be held. The first session is scheduled for Thursday, June 12 at Northeast Community Center in Chesapeake Beach.
A few members of the Calvert Cycling and Trail Coalition spoke briefly in support of the Volunteer Park project, lauding it for the potential biker trails it would add to the county.
“We want to promote cycling trails,” said coalition member Sue Estes, who displayed a bicycle wheel when she addressed the planning commission.
As for the overall POS plan, the Calvert County Commissioners are expected to approve and authorize it next month.
All seven planning commission members attended the May meeting and all voiced support for recommending the POS program for FY 2015 to the county commissioners for final approval.
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