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The board approved funding for the following local-side Program Open Space projects:

Dorchester County will receive $37,800 to partially fund a new pavilion and playground equipment at the Dorchester County pool in Cambridge.

Queen Anne’s County will receive:

• $25,000 for renovations at the Blue Heron Golf Course in Stevensville;
• $75,000 for improvements to a mile of trail at Church Hill Park; and
• $508,280 to partially fund construction of at least four athletic fields and a parking lot for White Marsh Park in Centreville.

“Queen Anne’s County is so very grateful to the Board of Public Works for providing these funds to our citizens, especially in these tough fiscal times,” said Dr. Eric Wargotz, President of the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners.

Worcester County will receive:

• $49,038 for improvements to the bandstand and paths at Cypress Park in Pocomoke City;
• $58,500 to develop a master plan for the Greys Creek Nature Park and Center in Bishopville; and
• $226,800 for fitness and nature trails and playground improvements at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin.

“We’re very grateful that state recognized the importance of the opportunities for preservation in Worcester County,” said Worcester County Commission President Virgil Shockley. “This money will be used to preserve the quality of life that we so much enjoy. As citizens participate with increasing frequency in outdoor events and recreational activities at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin, the funding for fitness, nature trails and new playground equipment at this location will greatly enhance this facility.”

The board approved funding for the following state-side Program Open Space project:

Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area in Dorchester County will be expanded by 85 acres to further protect wildlife habitat and the water quality of Fishing Bay and the Nanticoke River. The $108,663 acquisition is located within a high priority conservation area and received an ecological ranking of 95 under the new Program Open Space targeting system.

“Permanent protection of these ecologically valuable properties will safeguard sensitive wildlife habitat and increase opportunities for environment education and seasonal hunting,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary John R. Griffin.

Since 2007, the Board of Public Works has preserved more than 10,197 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has protected more than 327,670 acres with funds from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by Program Open Space.

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