Annapolis, MD — Governor Martin O’Malley announced Board of Public Works approval of local-side Program Open Space funding for eight local park improvement projects in seven counties.

Allegany County will receive $16,240 to pave the access road to the LaVale District Park.

Charles County will receive $338,000 to renovate the visitor center, picnic pavilions and restrooms at Gilbert Run Park in Charlotte Hall, the county’s largest and most popular nature park.

The City of Aberdeen in Harford County will receive $73,604 to install new playground equipment, picnic tables, benches and a grill at Platter Street Park.

The Town of Millington in Kent County will receive $13,500 to renovate the baseball field at Robvanary Park.

Prince Georges County will receive $744,000 to purchase 20-acres adjacent to the WB&A Railroad Trail in Bowie for a future trail.

Queen Anne’s County will receive:

• $25,000 to create a trail and fishing piers at Ewing Pond Park in Grasonville; and 
• $90,000 to install restrooms and improve the trail at Sudlersville Park.

Worcester County will receive $124,152 to install energy efficient outdoor lighting on a softball field at Newtown Park in Pocomoke City.

Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the Board of Public Works have preserved 10,251 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has protected 330,689.6 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. Visit www.greenprint.maryland.gov for an interactive, statewide map showing the land protected by Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works, chaired by Governor O’Malley, is comprised of Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.