Governor Martin O’Malley announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of local-side Program Open Space (POS) funds for improvements at 24 local park and recreation facilities in eight counties across Maryland.

 “Local parks are often the heart of our communities,” said Governor O’Malley. “Investing in a more sustainable Maryland by expanding and improving neighborhood recreation areas enables working families and children of all ages to participate in active recreation and live healthier lives.”

 Funding for the following projects was approved today: 

• St. Mary’s County received $639,315 for four local park and recreation area improvements.
  
• Expansion of the Three Notch Trail in California will be partially financed by a $330,000 grant.  Beginning at the Walmart and extending a half mile to connect with Chancellor’s Run Road, the Trail will offer walking, biking, running, and rollerblading opportunities.  Once completed, the Trail is expected to receive 25,000 visits annually.
  
• A $160,000 grant will finance entrance, roadway, and parking area improvements at the Seventh District Park in Bushwood.
  
• A $100,000 grant will partially finance walkway and parking improvements at the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park.
  
• Two new tennis courts will be built at Cecil Park in Valley Lee and partially funded by a $49,315 grant.  Once completed, the Park is expected to receive 20,000 visits annually.
  

• Prince George’s County received $518,600 for three local recreation facility improvements.
  

• Installation of an automated sporting clay course and improved pathways at the Prince George’s Sports Center (Trap & Skeet) in Glenn Dale will be partially funded with a $177,750 grant.  The improvements will enable the Center to serve as an Olympic training site as well as support major local and national events.  Once expanded, the Center is expected to receive 18,500 visits each year.
  
• The City of Greenbelt received a $318,850 grant to fund pool and locker room improvements at the Greenbelt Aquatic and Fitness Center.
  
• The City of Laurel received a $22,000 grant to partially fund expansion of walking/jogging paths and other improvements at Riverfront Park.  Once improved, the Park is estimated to receive 8,500 visits annually.

• Garrett County received $5,850 to upgrade playground equipment in Grantsville’s Town Park.

• Montgomery County received $241,500 to replace the ceiling and failing lighting at the Cabin John Indoor Tennis Center.
  

• Upper Hill Recreation Park will install playground equipment, picnic tables, grills and a pavilion financed by a $51,300 grant.  Once improved, the Park is expected to receive an estimated 2,500 visits annually.
  
• A $40,500 grant will fund improvements to the tennis courts at Deal Island Recreation Area.
  
• A $141,750 grant will fund the purchase of a 0.84-acre parcel in Westover to serve as the future location of the County’s Recreation and Parks Office.
  
• Improvements to the cart paths at the Great Home Golf Course in Westover will be financed by a $81,000 grant.

• Washington County received $1,570,765 in funding for seven local recreation facility improvements.
  

• Improvements to the lighting and electrical system at Keedysville Taylor Park will be partially financed with a $55,000 grant.  The updated outdoor recreational lighting system is designed to be energy efficient and minimize light pollution.  Once improved, the Park is estimated to receive 3,000 visits annually.
  
• Expansion of the soccer field and gymnasium at Maugansville Elementary School Recreation Center in Hagerstown will be partially financed by a $466,000 grant.
  
• Improvements to the tracks at Williamsport High School and Smithsburg High School will be partially financed by a $93,800 grant.
  
• Expansion of the gymnasium at Westfields Elementary School in Hagerstown will be partially financed by a $555,965 grant.
  
• Expansion of the gymnasium at Pangborn Elementary School in Hagerstown will be partially financed by a $250,000 grant.
  
• An additional $150,000 grant will finance construction of North Hagerstown High School’s new track facility.

• Expansion of the Northeast Collector Road Hike and Bike Trail in Salisbury will be partially financed with a $101,250 grant.  Extremely popular with local residents who enjoy walking, jogging, and biking, this urban greenway trail creates safe pedestrian and bicycle access for individuals on the east side of Salisbury, north of U.S. Route 50 to access popular locations south of Route 50, such as the City Park, Zoo, Salisbury University, and local high schools, without driving.  Once completed, the trail is expected to receive an estimated 40,000 visits annually.
  
• A stormwater management and erosion plan and improvements to parking areas at Billy Gene Jackson Park (formerly North Lake Park) in Salisbury will be financed by a $22,500 grant.
  
• A $67,500 grant will finance construction of a picnic pavilion, picnic tables, grills, bike rack, and swing sets at the Park Annex in Fruitland. 
  
• Worcester County received a $423,000 grant to fund lighting and parking improvements at Showell Park.  The new outdoor recreational lighting is designed to be energy efficient and minimize light pollution.
  

 Additionally, the BPW approved two state-side Program Open Space acquisitions to expand and protect Maryland’s state forestlands.

 A 10-acre forested property located in Garrett County adjacent to Potomac-Garrett State Forest will be purchased for $100,000.  Acquisition of the property will help safeguard wildlife habitat and provide essential forest buffers to protect water quality of Toliver Run, which is home to two state endangered species and several rare plants.

 A 33.9+ acre forested property located in Dorchester County and within Chesapeake Forest Lands will be purchased for $180,000.  Acquisition of the property will extend sustainable forestry management practices and protect the forested property from development.

 Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of more than 321,000 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by this program.

 Chaired by Governor O’Malley, the Board of Public Works is also comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The Board is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.