St. Mary’s County Government is pleased to announce that Elms Beach Park in Lexington Park will reopen to the public on Saturday, May 23.

The park has been closed since March 17, due to extensive vandalism. Most facilities in the park have been repaired; however, it is estimated that the park’s playground will not be reopened for use for another six weeks. 

Elms Beach Park, as well as other County parks, opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes at sunset.  A gate attendant will be on duty on most weekends and holidays to monitor vehicle traffic and the parking area.  If the maximum parking capacity is reached, the park will be considered as full and no further people or vehicles will be allowed into the park. As vehicles leave the park, other people/vehicles will be allowed into the park.

With summer approaching, the Department of Recreation and Parks would like to remind patrons that alcohol is not allowed in County parks, except by special permit for events and picnic pavilion rentals.  
 
Also, the Board of County Commissioners recently approved a recommendation by the Recreation and Parks Board to make the Elms Beach Park picnic pavilion an alcohol free pavilion.  As a result, effective immediately, alcohol consumption permits will not be approved for functions at Elms Beach Park.  
 
Finally, the picnic pavilion at Elms Beach Park will no longer be reserved for groups on holiday weekends.  Usage of the Elms Beach picnic pavilion on holiday weekends will be on a first come first serve basis.
 
These park policy changes were taken to address overcrowding and improve safety and security at this small but popular Chesapeake Bay waterfront park.  Call Recreation and Parks at (301) 863-6068 or (301) 475-4200 ext. 1800 for further information.