Gov. O'Malley Announces More Than $250,000 Will be Used to Develop Sykesville Park

Governor Martin O’Malley announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of recreational projects in 17 counties and Baltimore City Wednesday including three major projects in Carroll County, according to a state government press release.

Sykesville will receive $256,000 to develop South Branch Park including handicapped-accessible playground equipment, safety surfacing, a hiker/biker trail, access and a scenic overlook to the Patapsco River, and restoration of a caboose train car that will serve as a gateway symbol and concession building.

Carroll County will receive $187,000 to develop three new mini pavilions with built-in picnic tables and benches at Bennett Cerf Park in Westminster.  In addition, the existing pedestrian and vehicular traffic bridges within the park will be revitalized.

Hampstead will receive $150,000 to construct playground equipment at Hampstead Municipal Park and design/engineer permanent restrooms.

Manchester will receive $13,000 to construct a 16-foot vinyl gazebo within the Bicentennial garden at Christmas Tree Park.

The projects were announced through local-side Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.

“Together, with our local partners we today celebrate more than 1,000 recreational projects funded through Program Open Space since 2007,” said Governor O’Malley in a press release. 

“From playgrounds and ball fields to rain gardens, pavilions and gazebos, we are continuing to improve and create significant new opportunities for our families to enjoy our natural world safely, close to home.”