The Worcester County Commissioners have approved a slate of planned projects for the next round of funding through the state’s Program Open Space.
Part of the Berlin Little League complex off Route 113 is pictured.
File photo
By Steve Green, Executive Editor
The Worcester County Commissioners have approved a slate of projects for the next round of funding through the state’s Program Open Space.
Last month, Worcester County Recreation and Parks Director Kelly Rados learned from Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources the county would be receiving $450,209 in additional funds in the next fiscal year beginning July 1. The new funds will be added to the current Program Open Space balance of $1.11 million, which includes $441,810 designated for acquisition only. The county’s stated acquisition goal is acquiring the Berlin Lions Club property to further develop and grow the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex.
Before the commissioners on June 4, Rados was seeking a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 proposed projects. In a memo included in the meeting packet, Rados said the Worcester County Recreation and Parks Advisory Board on May 24 recommended replacing a playground at Showell Park off Route 589 for $500,000, upgrades to restrooms and concessions at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex at a cost of about $200,000 and repair and replacement of rip rap at Homer Gudelsky Park in West Ocean City for $50,000.
With no discussion, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic motioned to approve the events with a second by Caryn Abbott. The vote was unanimous.
According to Rados, there are about $111,000 in projects expected to be completed in the near future with remainder funds available, bringing the total available funding through local Program Open Space funds to $1.22 million. When the three projects approved this week are completed and paid for, Rados said there will be about $477,000 in funding available.
At Showell Park, there are currently two playgrounds that are approximately 20 years old and in need of significant repairs. The proposed project will replace the aging equipment with one expansive, inclusive playground with modern surfacing.
For the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex, repairs to the restroom and concession buildings are needed including replacement of the roof for the concession stand and pavilion and bathroom and concessions upgrades.
At Homer Gudelsky Park, known to locals as Stinky Beach, the east side of the beach needs restoration through sand replacement and the existing filter cloth and rip rap needs repairing.