County, town to link parks

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

A joint meeting between Charles County and the towns of Indian Head and La Plata last month ended with a goal to link Tilghman Lake Park and Laurel Springs Park, thereby creating a pedestrian-friendly trail nearly three miles long.

"Tilghman Lake Park would be a nice addition," said Tom Roland, the county's assistant director of public facilities, during the meeting. "It would be great."

Laurel Springs Park is owned by the county and Tilghman Lake Park is owned by the town of La Plata.

Laurel Springs sits on more than 200 acres, and the 1.6-mile trail that winds through the property stops at a gate that signals the start of Tilghman Lake Park, just to the south.

Tilghman Park, said La Plata Town Manager Daniel Mears, is 44 acres and includes a lake, picnic tables, and a dirt road around the lake.

The mostly natural landscape lends itself to pedestrians, and vehicles aren't allowed.

"It's exactly next door to [Laurel Springs Park]," Roland said. "It's separated by an old chain link fence."

The county and town of La Plata have decided to go ahead with the fence's removal, which will most likely take place over the summer, Roland said.

Balustrades will be installed to prohibit motorized vehicles from entering the trail. The linked paths will allow pedestrians the opportunity to wind their way around the playground, picnic areas and 18 athletic fields in Laurel Springs Park.

msomers@somdnews.com