A consulting firm presented the master plan for Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park to the Calvert County Commissioners last November. The county commissioners approved the master plan.

Prince Frederick, MD – During its first meeting of the new year, the Calvert County Planning Commission received an overview of the master plan for Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park. The summary was presented Wednesday, Jan. 21 by Walt McKain of the Calvert County Division of Parks and Recreation. The 209-acre parcel in Dunkirk was purchased in 2013 by the Calvert County Commissioners for the price of $2.75 million. The money for the transaction is supposed to come from a special fund that is overseen by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). However, the money, which is revenue from pull tab machines used at three Chesapeake Beach businesses. When asked about the funding situation by planning commission chairman Maurice Lusby, McKain explained that the county government had to “forward fund” the purchase since the money has yet to be procured from the DNR.

McKain pointed out that gaming receipts in the Calvert County venues have taken a hit since gambling, particularly slot machines, are now operating in other Maryland locations.

“I’m not trying to put anyone on the spot, I’m just trying to get an idea of where the money is coming from,” said Lusby.

Calvert County Government Capital Projects Analyst Julie Paluda admitted “revenue sources are constrained right now,” a fact that is likely to delay any significant development at the new Dunkirk facility. She noted that legislation to further delay the “sunset” on gaming devices in Chesapeake Beach is going in the Maryland General Assembly hopper. Other funding options include general fund “pay-go” money, Maryland Program Open Space and general obligation bonds.

McKain said the likely development delay is not viewed as a problem by staff since the acquisition has preserved 209-acres of undeveloped land forever. “This is literally a long-term process,” said McKain.

The estimate for the complete development of  Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park is $28 million. While the tract is considered an ideal spot for casual nature-related activities, the top aim of county government officials is to add to Calvert’s inventory of baseball, softball and soccer fields.

Planning commission vice chair Mike Phipps noted that the Ward family had provided great stewardship of the property for several generations.

Last November, the county commissioners reviewed a presentation by the consulting firm of Mahan Rykiel, the entity that crafted the master plan. “Previously, a special exception from the Board of Appeals was obtained,” stated Planning Commission Administrator Yolonda Hipski, who also noted that panel’s action occurred Aug. 7.

The county commissioners approved the master plan  and the proposed name of the park at the Nov. 6 meeting.

The final master plan was reviewed conceptually by a technical evaluation group. That group requested the planning commission to review the master plan and recommended that components of the plan that are done in phases be subject to administrative approval.

Staff indicated that major changes to the master plan would be subject to obtainment of the planning commission’s approval.

Phipps said he had no problems with allowing staff to rule on piecemeal plans for the park already mandated in the master plan. Hipski said any issues staff cannot resolve would be brought to the planning commission.

Phipps moved to approve that procedure. Only planning commission member Robert Reed voted opposed to the motion.

CIP found consistent
County Government staff presented a brief review of the proposed Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for fiscal years (FY) 2016 – 2021. The presentation was made by Paluda and by Department of Community Planning and Building planners Jenny Plummer-Welker and Patricia Haddon.

One significant revelation involved Cove Point Park in Lusby. Paluda noted that projects planned at the facility have been put on hold until the future of the park is determined. When asked, Paluda confirmed the delay and uncertain status is related to the $3.8 billion project underway at the nearby Dominion Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas Plant.

In addition to playing fields, Cove Point Park includes an outdoor swimming pool. The CIP listed these pending projects at Cove Point Park—the relighting of two playing fields, construction of a dog park, adding a skate park, and adding picnic shelters and pathways.

After the panel’s questions were answered, Phipps moved to deem the CIP for FY 2016 – 2021 as consistent with the Calvert County Comprehensive Plan. The vote was unanimous.

Paluda noted the commissioners would be discussing the six-year plan further during the budget process. “This plan could change,” she said, adding staff might return in March with revisions.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com