[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6359247,"mediaKeyId","2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e","parentId",2188014,"title","Board approves October minutes unanimously, adjourns meeting","audioSeconds",4000,"startMs",16000,"endMs",4016000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e&start=16&end=4016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e/thumbnail_16000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6359247/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Board-approves-October-minutes-unanimously-adjourns-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359247-6409bc344e13927d67ea1c95f46d43e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775380303&Signature=o1i4WfvPc1Pk3gIeVZFwuXleyngU3UgHMQeKbw94Y1B0Q0IbhKKMJf8EVntxq03JI8FeB4U9Iw5p9jSxoUPopDYcThdni-2I8V-KxxxA5EqiayJvAdLOTJIAFdLKqBweaBZYA19k-DcrcYmcI8zyRBYdTpbHgjInLUc4UArc8uC~vKra4xPJSp4lzmHibJxFRzM87PVkAMMnUjIJKDiOPmo1WQiD2be6fGoWhl7nJdPm7kNXjuNboKk812yCWQ~eYl1UtezaSNCHs5o6leNfLDTrW80FR2~YFJYTrK1KmgxYJFCyDqANyN0rDF6atf2XQ1Ydlk8hEP9edtrn3Pd5Pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-01-31T19:56:55Z","article","At the start of the session, the St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Board voted to approve the minutes of the October meeting. A board member moved to approve the minutes and another seconded; the chair called for the vote and the motion carried unanimously.

At the end of the meeting a board member moved to adjourn; another member seconded and the motion carried.

No other formal ordinances, resolutions or budget votes were recorded during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","12/4/2014 Recreation and Parks Board","oneSentenceSummary","The St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Board voted unanimously to approve the October meeting minutes and later adjourned after a motion, both recorded as carried.","taxTitle","St. Mary's County, Maryland","taxId",51086,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6359252,"Recreation Division previews FY16 budget work and outlines winter programs, camps and facilities updates",745,720000,1465000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e&start=720&end=1465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e/thumbnail_720000.jpg","/articles/6359252/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Recreation-Division-previews-FY16-budget-work-and-outlines-winter-programs-camps-and-facilities-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359252-c9606b4894b3aecfc6f7c425b1d0bcd7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775380303&Signature=fuG4JeNCEpczZ40G1QJItfogMrQLuRSHLtnDVU0IaAjCr0Zi0gwgAPd-ugKuK5iEOjWGb0rRGP31b7ZNkiYn-hoe00qgAJckhLg5kYnssMcu5UG~U-7ZHjp3oux8GDKZiVofO3AZ4HzGLHQ~-2iFzwltW8mfDf8D-UXXmjqO05bYNt820LDXnhN-GzQO3FNR~hUpf96X7AFFZnB1b0krKYmixSAv1N~EKtuGPkWEln~Z7ZFi-OGpSnF38DE9ZdsaE5JImgNR8AeBtACvcTKyHG~JuWYm~GFNMe4vDJaE6lvTD4fIPZBBVKL09Au21~LbWXI5U-jiINwFoBQUXRXJIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jessica Hale, Recreation Division staff, briefed the board on department programming, facility maintenance and budget preparation.

Hale said the division is preparing the FY16 budget and that the current FY15 budget is about halfway through the fiscal year with revenues looking strong compared with the prior year. Registration for winter programs (January through March) opened recently; offerings include youth and adult indoor sports, leisure and wellness programs, themed birthday-party packages at Hollywood Recreation Center and expanded summer-camp previews with registration opening March 1.

Hale listed program highlights and participation figures: gymnastics competition qualifiers (13 gymnasts qualified for state competition), youth basketball registration (about 230 children in grades 1–2 and about 700 children in grades 3–8), a middle-school select league with 137 participants and 91 cheerleaders, and competitive cheer teams with several squads competing regionally.

The department also reported operational items: a damaged walkway awning connecting the pool bathhouse and bubble will be replaced after locating a manufacturer and securing partial insurance coverage; winter events include a “tiny elves” workshop with age separation for under-5s, a New York City bus trip with remaining capacity, holiday professional photos with Santa and gift cards sold in $25 increments for program registration.

Hale said a WebTrack splash page upgrade has improved online registration navigation and that Facebook outreach places the county among the more highly followed county recreation pages in the state. She reminded the board that the annual Easter egg festival is scheduled for March 28 at the county fairgrounds and that the Scott Verbiest golf tournament will move from the first Friday in June to the first Friday in October to avoid a crowded sponsorship calendar; proceeds from these events fund a scholarship program for families on free and reduced lunch.","Jessica Hale, Recreation Division staff, reported the department is preparing the FY16 budget, outlined winter and summer program schedules, noted a new WebTrack splash page and described facility repairs and event plans including Easter and the Scott Verbiest golf tournament date change.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6359257,"Recreation and Parks updates: Charlotte Hall fields, 3‑knot trail Phase 6, memorial center ribbon cutting and Shannon Farm acquisition",554,3108000,3662000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e&start=3108&end=3662","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e/thumbnail_3108000.jpg","/articles/6359257/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Recreation-and-Parks-updates-Charlotte-Hall-fields-3knot-trail-Phase-6-memorial-center-ribbon-cutting-and-Shannon-Farm-acquisition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359257-9ac6d97e525bcad290c5c9e3c3d08e36/orig.mp4?Expires=1775380303&Signature=ciD68QCLNiSsOZvcCWngWMr7PEM2tff9t9n1FbCMpKYONHNyG0F6iAAgaBUKdcfkEeqycfloswOn~9NJf36voyS9ZBta5spUo4We8oxaLH5~z4S6ZysqyNtuOcrhktCMpJ3mIamAnUaCd~NCASH-i7PxW23rIj0KEKojHhS0Go5PS2FqxASpcfCUPg5WxjpC9c6uZzxSvrR~9WahgB5e-~nrBp-j0GJ5gy6mpJc90PrCOC~Z~yniLGxWXWumfhEEewg4wuOybxdDMY-IBPWam0G8PRl5~E~NydU~CD06SzgcbZGQEF4oXVsgn24lu22ZTRcjimTdWXwyZ2T9GUEJPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Recreation and Parks staff on Thursday briefed the St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Board on capital projects including athletic-field work at Charlotte Hall, the start of construction on phase 6 of the 3‑knot trail, an interpretive center ribbon cutting and the recently completed Shannon Farm conservation acquisition.

Staff reported Charlotte Hall athletic fields are roughly complete pending minor erosion-control and turf stand‑up work and an MDE inspection; the department expects to open the fields in spring if turf establishment continues. The project includes new practice fields that will serve football, soccer and lacrosse; lighting is not part of the initial installation but is planned in a future CIP request.

Phase 6 of the 3‑knot trail, which runs from Maryland Route 5 in Mechanicsville to Maryland Route 236 in Newmarket, had its construction contract awarded on Dec. 1 and a preconstruction meeting scheduled for Jan. 12. Completion of phase 6 will add several miles of continuous trail to the county network.

The United States Colored Troops Memorial Interpretive Center — located in the former Flattox House on the Lancaster Park South parcel — is scheduled for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. The center will host interpretive displays about the Civil War memorial and African American history, space for meetings and public restrooms adjacent to the memorial pavilion; the Unified Committee for African American Contributions will lead exhibit development.

Staff also summarized the Shannon Farm purchase: roughly 212 acres acquired Nov. 24 as a conservation partnership with the U.S. Navy and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Funding sources reported were about $200,000 in local Program Open Space funds, $2,300,000 from the Navy and the balance from the state POS fund. The property will be managed for passive recreation, trails and shoreline access; a conservation easement limits intensive active recreation and caps concentrated gatherings to safeguard the adjacent Patuxent River Naval Air Station buffer.

The department said the Flattox House renovation contractor WM Davis performed the interpretive-center work and that a Maryland Historical Trust archaeological study for phase 2 at Leonardtown Park is underway and pending MHT review.

Board members and staff discussed next steps for CIP funding for lighting at certain diamonds and for long‑term maintenance planning for new and conserved properties.","Department staff reported near-completion of Charlotte Hall athletic fields, an upcoming construction start for phase 6 of the 3‑knot trail, a December 9 ribbon cutting for the United States Colored Troops Memorial Interpretive Center and acquisition of the 212‑acre Shannon Farm conserved with Navy and DNR funding.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6359260,"Southern Maryland BMX donates bikes and holds memorial race benefiting children in St. Mary’s County",203,53000,256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e&start=53&end=256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e/thumbnail_53000.jpg","/articles/6359260/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Southern-Maryland-BMX-donates-bikes-and-holds-memorial-race-benefiting-children-in-St-Marys-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359260-a35d77fc67509654b0085d71d0095b0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775380303&Signature=O9bDDcZSdSb43ZG-MysOhFEJATA3CIxAeu~tpW02iWRvZemdAbjfijtsADdLy-pxzFPu8u-8-yUkxN9~S3OEKyEUom23m5WWhXR8yop8RqfIrsdJyo7e5BK7jrNJYDbMkFudWQCTgrJlfNE7IxJVzwt7tujR9AvNAaQK~eoyqcSbxfNA6LNtn9Tt6ic6xowZVG7gAU1CCSz57XawinRJ-A4KV0F3qmBLWKxVizjW2~3S0uv7VvBtz06t5N37HjfJsLahecSzz3UbL-QsJWQbZn-cx8aFWbmG5YAJ9B9TNLb7rPcYdDqmblxitzLXvqhVK63N9PzoY1rdYf8KuBRO1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southern Maryland BMX presented bicycles and helmets to the St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Board on Thursday, describing a memorial fundraising race held in memory of racer Scott Hoppe and a resulting donation intended for local children.

Kyle Lightbaum, track director for Southern Maryland BMX, said the nonprofit all-volunteer track hosted more than 45 races this season with about 2,200 riders attending the facility overall and an average of roughly 50 riders per week. Lightbaum said the club hosted a state qualifier this year that drew more than 225 riders.

Lightbaum said the Hoppe family donated trophies and later worked with the track to hold a memorial event that raised funds to buy bikes for county youth. The track presented “14 of the 12‑inch strider bikes and two 16‑inch bikes, plus helmets,” Lightbaum said in his presentation. Donors Don and Lois Hoppe were present at the meeting.

Jessica Hale of the Recreation Division said the department plans to put the donated bikes to use in department programs, including summer camp activities and a planned BMX introduction program. Board and staff members noted that the track at Chaptico Park operates under a lease with the county, that the club provides maintenance and insurance, and that membership (at a low cost) and waivers are required for participants.

Department staff praised the partnership between the nonprofit track and Recreation and Parks, and invited citizens to the track at Chaptico Park to learn about membership and program schedules.","Southern Maryland BMX presented 16 bicycles and helmets donated in memory of racer Scott Hoppe; department staff said the bikes will be used in summer camps and youth programs at the Chaptico Park track under a lease agreement.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6359265,"Volunteer youth football and cheer programs report growth, training costs and field needs to Recreation and Parks Board",1501,1551000,3052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e&start=1551&end=3052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2188014-d2b9e74c7e7291221f0ec3c2c516c53e/thumbnail_1551000.jpg","/articles/6359265/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Volunteer-youth-football-and-cheer-programs-report-growth-training-costs-and-field-needs-to-Recreation-and-Parks-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359265-dd99f55bfeb9e608f5fdc16e2297c7bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775380303&Signature=aOnfQRe21dnBEpEVmKEtUobOa~0i7XqJlMtyonZ43YJ1r4WUGOi1gNTw6KrGk-HfY4OMBcxJmOyA19v3AL1GkQE7wQh14d8P9Am3eaJ16YmIl1vDEeVWk0tmcY4q~4tQtTiJaYXyIEQwpIF5My4E56zk9L6DA~~zfoqOkCSiy1gIcM885x9XSB6~5-TKUf15MfOPMDod0KIsz1LJtcuaIS51koLQpTXAWUQlnkeuZGeh5YG8U4cHCg~s88AVP-xIPZzaM3LPf421DKiIoDBrIWQjsgNNrSActOQ~9MRWjzIWHqEU8V0b1Uv3ATOKFi2z5NXd7mFmd~H9CN2F04tOOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of three volunteer youth football and cheer organizations on Thursday told the St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Board that participation has expanded in recent years, but clubs remain self-funded and face recurring facility and staffing pressures.

Kerim Norad, representing the Mechanicsville Braves, Richard Abel of the Leonardtown Wildcats and Dave Burrows of the Pax River/Packer Raiders gave a joint presentation describing registration numbers, training requirements and facility needs. The three clubs reported combined participation in the low thousands across football, flag and cheer programs and described their operations as nonprofit and volunteer-run.

The clubs reported rapid growth in several programs: the Mechanicsville Braves said they fielded 12 football teams this year and that their cheer program grew to 136 cheerleaders; Leonardtown reported about 185 football players and 70 cheerleaders across roughly 11 teams and four flag teams; Pax River reported 248 football players and 109 cheerleaders, with 10 tackle teams and two flag teams. Programs range in age from about 5 to 14.

Club leaders said most of their operating revenue comes from registration fees, concessions and local business sponsorships. Abel said the Wildcats bear field and lighting costs themselves and listed a recent lights expense of about $36,100 raised by the club. Burrows said the Raiders covered certifications and coaching-clinic expenses out of nonprofit funds.

All three clubs described stepped-up coach training requirements in recent years. Coaches must complete background checks, national certifications such as USA Football/AYF courses, ‘Heads Up’ concussion and player-safety training and in-person clinics. Presenters said some modules are online, while player-safety instruction and certain clinics require in-person, day‑long sessions, and clubs generally pay those costs.

Leaders also described programming intended to broaden participation and develop players: spring “learn to tackle” sessions, NFL flag in the spring, multiweek camps, coach clinics and open conditioning sessions that invite high school volunteers. Clubs said spring and summer activities helped convert many new participants into fall registrants.

Board and staff members asked about operational issues. Clubs singled out parking congestion at high-attendance sites such as Dorsey Park and requested continued support for field maintenance and coordination on permitting and lighting. Board members and department staff thanked the volunteers and discussed options to provide space for end-of-season banquets and to invite board members to homecoming events to increase awareness.

The Recreation and Parks Department emphasized its role in permitting, field provision and routine maintenance while acknowledging limits on field quality during heavy seasonal use.

The presentation closed with the department and board agreeing to follow up on banquet logistics and continued coordination on field condition planning in advance of the next season.","Representatives of three youth football and cheer organizations told the St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks Board that participation has grown sharply, clubs are self-funded, coaches must complete national safety training, and parking and field conditions remain recurring concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves October minutes unanimously, adjourns meeting

Recreation Division previews FY16 budget work and outlines winter programs, camps and facilities updates

Recreation and Parks updates: Charlotte Hall fields, 3‑knot trail Phase 6, memorial center ribbon cutting and Shannon Farm acquisition

Southern Maryland BMX donates bikes and holds memorial race benefiting children in St. Mary’s County

Volunteer youth football and cheer programs report growth, training costs and field needs to Recreation and Parks Board