recreation, parks & tourism project open space update
TRANSCRIPT
Recreation, Parks & Tourism
Project Open Space Update
Eileen Minnick, Director
Tim Drummond, Chief of Parks
Jacob Dyer, Chief of Budget
March 9, 2021
Program Open Space (POS)
Grant
Program Open Space (POS) symbolizes Maryland’s long-term commitment to
conserving nature resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation
opportunities
State property transfer tax of home or land sales (0.5%) funds the Program
Open Space grant
Administered funds made available to local communities for open and
recreational space by the Outdoor Recreation Land Loan of 1969 and from the
Land and Water Conservation Fund of the National Park Service, U.S.
Department of the Interior.
Program Open Space (POS)
Grant
Funds provide important financial and technical assistance for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of recreation land or open space areas within the approved local Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan.
Preserves natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection areas across the state.
Funds the ability to acquire outdoor recreation and open space areas for public use.
Development and construction projects: 75% State 25% Local
Property acquisition – 100%
Land Preservation, Parks, and
Recreation Plan (LPPRP)
The LPPRP is mandated by the State of Maryland and serves as a guide for the
utilization of Program Open Space grant funding.
Five (5) year planning document
Gathers data of currently available parks and recreation amenities and programs
available in Charles County, and serves as the blueprint for future enhancements
using POS funding.
Local and State approval
The LPPRP is required to be updated every 5 years, with the next revision
scheduled for 2022.
Land Preservation, Parks, and
Recreation Plan (LPPRP)
The 2017 local LPPRP lists 3 primary goals for parks services
Goal 1: Continue to maintain and develop parks, open spaces, recreation facilities,
and programming to meet the diverse needs of a growing resident and visitor user
base.
Goal 2: Develop new parks, recreation facilities, and associated amenities where
existing demand appears to be exceeding the capacity of the existing parks and
recreation system (ex: waterway recreation).
Goal 3: Continue to build an interconnected system of trails and paths throughout
the County for non-automotive use.
Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation
Plan (LPPRP) - Annual Program Plan
Program Open Space funding requires an Annual Plan of proposed projects be
submitted for State review every July 1st
Annual Plan must be consistent with the current approved local Land
Preservation and Recreation Plan (LPPRP)
Annual Plan may be revised throughout the year
2017 Summarized Level of Service
Analysis Findings
1. County population is generally youthful, well-educated, and has higher median
household income compared to state and national averages.
2. Parks, recreation, and open space infrastructure is a key community asset
directly linked to the general high quality of life in Charles County.
3. Tremendous public outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the County, but
enhancement of basic facilities and services to support participation in
recreation activities were identified as needs.
4. Existing user satisfaction is generally high. Existing demand appears to outweigh
facility/program capacity for organized sports and water access sites.
5. Expansion and improvement of Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
facilities, programs, and supporting resources is needed to ensure the
recreational needs and expectations of residents and visitors continue to be met
or exceeded.
Program Open Space
Development/Construction Funding
White Plains Golf Course and Regional Park - $187,500
Installed new irrigation system, completed clubhouse renovations including bathroom, new snack bar and dining area, new roof, and new air conditioning unit, replaced aging playground equipment.
Pickleball Courts
Gilbert Run Regional Park - $388,500
Boardwalk design completed
Construction of boardwalk replacement to begin May 2021
Chapel Point Park - $675,000
Maryland Department of Natural Resources partnership
Phase I completed, Phase II to begin late spring 2021
Design, hunter access road, kayak launch, and improved water access
Popes Creek Phase I
Acquisition of the abandoned Popes Creek Railroad corridor was completed in 2015. Utilizing funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Trust for Public Land and Program Open Space, a total of 220 acres of waterfront, upland forest and wetlands have been preserved for the residents and Charles County.
Program Open Space Acquisition - $313,840
Design for the Popes Creek Phase I is currently under way. The proposed waterfront portion of the future Popes Creek Park system will include visitor parking, a brick walkway, a raised board walk, benches, a 90’ river-front pier, observation stations and interpretive panels highlighting the historic, natural and cultural resources.
Program Open Space Development - $731,000
FY2022 – FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan
Request for POS Support -$4,580,000*
Popes Creek Waterfront Phase II - $1,367,000
Waterman’s Heritage Museum, crabbing/fishing pier, kayak rentals and concession
stand, conference center, retail stalls, summer camp venue
Waldorf Park Development Phase I & Phase II - $3,127,000
Lighted football and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts
Large Playground, picnic pavilions, nature and fitness trails
La Plata Farm Park Development Phase I - $86,000
Dog Park and Hiking Trail
* Includes $173,000 of funding already in the budget.
Program Open Space
Playground Revitalization Grant
Gilbert Run Regional Park - $51,000
Added zip line and new playground equipment
to existing adventure area.
Laurel Springs Regional Park - $34,500
Added new handicap wheelchair swing
(pictured).
Ruth B. Swann Park - $81,000
Added new playground equipment and shade
structures.
Bensville Park - $67,500
Added zip-line and shade structures.
2022 Land Preservation, Parks, and
Recreation Plan (LPPRP) The State of Maryland requires the LPPRP to be updated every 5 years
Scheduled to begin in Spring 2021
Local process includes:
Consultant Contracted
Community outreach
Staff, stakeholders and public perceptions
Community, partner organization Focus groups
Surveys
Planning Commission reviews and approval
Board of Commissioner reviews and approval
Final product to be complete in mid-2022
Parks & Recreation System
150+ sites provide recreation amenities
available for public use.
Over 28,000 acres of parks, recreation
facilities, and open spaces provide
opportunities for public recreation
Proximity to Parks
Measured 0-10 minute and 10–20-minute
drive times to public parks, recreation
facilities, and open spaces.
Most areas are within a 10-minute drive of at
least one park, recreation site, or open
space.
Waldorf and La Plata area have the greatest
density of recreation sites
Easier to access common facilities versus
specialized areas/amenities
Parks & Recreation System
County & Municipal
• 4,829 acres
• Community parks, recreation facilities, and open space areas
• Provides diverse sport, fitness, recreation, and leisure opportunities
State & Federal
• 19,514 acres
• State: parks, forests, and natural areas
• Federal: parks, historical/cultural sites
• Provides outdoor/natural resource-based recreation opportunities
Quasi-Public
• 3,797 acres
• Mix of sports and recreation facilities, historic/cultural sites, and park areas
• Provides varied degrees of public access use
Charles County Government
Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism8190 Port Tobacco Road • Port Tobacco, MD • 301-932-3470
Equal Opportunity Employer
www.CharlesCountyMD.gov
About Charles County GovernmentThe mission of Charles County Government is to provide our citizens the highest quality service possible in a
timely, efficient and courteous manner. To achieve this goal, our government must be operated in an open and
accessible atmosphere, be based on comprehensive long- and short-term planning and have an appropriate
managerial organization tempered by fiscal responsibility. We support and encourage efforts to grow a diverse
workplace. Charles County is a place where all people thrive and businesses grow and prosper; where the
preservation of our heritage and environment is paramount; where government services to its citizens are provided
at the highest level of excellence; and where the quality of life is the best in the nation.
It is the policy of Charles County to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color,
sex, age, national origin, religious or political affiliation or opinion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation,
genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law.