State funding to pay for Charles park, trail projects

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

"Protecting our lands and providing spaces for young Marylanders to learn about its rich natural and cultural heritage are vital to creating a generation of informed, responsible stewards," O'Malley said in a May 20 press release.

"Through Program Open Space, we ensure that our children will have the opportunity to connect with nature at an early age and build upon that connection as they grow."

Charles County will receive $1.8 million, including $750,000 to develop Friendship Farm Park in Nanjemoy into a nature center and interpretive farm facility, constructing a visitor center, trails, an amphitheater and barns for educational programs and events.

The county will receive $860,000 to begin construction on a new regional park in Waldorf, providing much-needed athletic fields for the community, in addition to hiking trails, a dog park, playgrounds and picnic areas, according to the release

The state approved $251,250 to continue construction of Indian Head Rail Trail, Charles County's first multipurpose recreational/bike trail, a 13-mile trail being developed on an abandoned railroad corridor.