Governor O’Malley
Announces BPW Approval of 12 Local Park Improvement Projects
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Governor Martin O’Malley this week announced
Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of $2,083,399 in local-side Program
Open Space (POS) funds for improvements at 12 park and recreation
facilities in five counties across Maryland. Land for a new 66-acre
community park in Harford County and expansion of two existing community
parks in Washington and Harford Counties will be preserved thanks to the
state-funded grants.
“Local-side Program
Open Space serves to improve and expand community recreation
facilities so that children and working families can participate in and
watch outdoor sporting games, enjoy leisurely walks, and picnicking in
their hometowns,” said Governor O'Malley. "I am proud of the role that
the state plays in continuing to improve and expand local outdoor
recreation opportunities through Program Open Space grants.”
Funding for the following projects was approved today:
Carroll County will receive $53,190 for three park improvement
projects including:
 | A $16,200 grant to construct three dugouts at the Summit Ridge
Baseball field in Mount Airy. |
| A $10,800 grant to install a wrought iron fence along the eastern
border of Wildwood Park in Mount Airy for public safety and park
security. |
| A $26,190 grant to construct handicapped accessible restroom
facilities in Watkins Park in Mount Airy. |
Garrett County will receive $405,000 for two high school
athletic facility improvement projects including:
| A $207,000 grant to renovate the team rooms, concession stand and
press box used with the track and field, football and soccer fields at
Northern High School in Accident. |
| A $198,000 grant to renovate the team rooms and press box used
with the football and soccer fields at Southern High School in
Oakland. |
Harford County will receive $1,031,500 for local park
expansion and new playground equipment including:
| A $714,000 initial grant to partially fund purchase of 66 acres in
near Dublin for a new community park. The new park will protect
existing wooded areas, while also offering new athletic fields, picnic
pavilions, and a play ground once fully developed. |
| A $60,000 grant for new playground equipment at the Francis Silver
Park in Darlington. |
| A $212,500 grant to expand Prospect Mill Park in Bel Air by 4.1+
acres. |
| A $45,000 grant to install a new playground at Riverside
Elementary school in Joppa. |
Prince George’s County will receive $448,209 for two
recreational facility improvement projects including:
| An additional $375,000 grant to construct a new show ring at the
Prince George’s Equestrian Center. |
| A $73,209 grant for a new multi-purpose court, parking areas, and
walking paths at Arbory Park in Laurel. |
Washington County will receive a $145,500 grant to expand
Veterans Park in Smithburg by 2.5+ acres for new athletic sports fields.
Since January 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW have preserved more
than 1,953 acres of natural areas for public recreation, and watershed
and wildlife protection in 61 public parks across the state. Since its
inception in 1969, Program Open Space has funded preservation of
322,772+ acres across Maryland. Most Maryland residents live within 15
minutes of a project funded through Program Open Space.
Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also
comprised of 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.
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