Recreational areas in Calvert, Cecil, Frederick, Howard, Talbot and Washington counties will soon receive funding through Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.  Governor Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved the projects at today’s meeting in Annapolis.

“Our aim is to continuously enhance recreational areas for all Maryland citizens from developing dog parks to providing additional parking to improving accessibility for all,” said Governor O’Malley. “Whether with family, friends, pets or alone with nature, Program Open Space ensures that Marylanders have safe, convenient places to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Through Program Open Space:

  • Calvert County will receive $124,645 to further develop Hallowing Point Park with additional parking for the baseball field, restrooms, several picnic shelters, and a new ADA-accessible playground area to replace the existing 20-year-old playground. Funds totaling $421,079 were previously approved by the Board of Public Works for this project;
  • In Frederick County, Thurmont will receive $13,098 to install bleachers and picnic tables at East End Park; and
  • Howard County will receive $597,989 to acquire four acres of land adjacent to Patapsco State Park along Landing Road. This purchase will increase the forested buffer along the Rockburn Branch of the Patapsco River and provide off-road parking for park and trail users.

For Community Parks and Playgrounds projects:

  • In Cecil County, Chesapeake City will receive $108,000 to install field lighting for Little League Field number 2 in Chesapeake City Community Park. The lighting system is designed to be energy efficient and minimize light pollution;
  • In Talbot County, Oxford will receive $37,866 to develop the 20,000-square-foot Play Ball Dog Park. This will be the only off-leash park area for dogs within the Town of Oxford; and
  • In Washington County, Williamsport will receive $39,600 to install playground equipment and safety surfacing at Billy Doub Park that is consistent with the National Program for Playground Safety and Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 1,394 recreational projects totaling more than $362 million through local-side Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program since 2007.

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for the State to preserve 367,981 acres for open space and recreation areas. Of this, 46,941 acres has been protected within the past seven 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.