Staff: Phase 2 studies underway for Johnson Pond sports complex; $100,000 requested for FY26 to finish concept planning

Recreation and Parks staff told the St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks Citizens Advisory Board that Phase 2 studies for a proposed sports complex at the Johnson Pond site (off St. Andrew's Church Road) are under way and that the county has requested $100,000 in the FY26 budget to complete Phase 2b.

Staff said the county entered a relationship with the Maryland Stadium Authority in February 2019 and used that authority’s economic market analysis as a starting point. Phase 2 involves environmental, archaeological and traffic studies and community input; staff reported a community meeting that drew about 127 people and an online community poll that has received more than 1,000 responses to date. The consultant will use those studies and public input to prepare a concept plan and cost estimates for construction and operation.

Staff emphasized the site’s constraints: the parcel, commonly called the Johnson Pond site, sits adjacent to St. Mary’s State Forest and includes water features and wetlands that will shape design and permitting. Staff also said the Phase 2b funds in the FY26 request would cover the studies and a draft concept; further design, permitting and construction funding would require separate budget approvals in later fiscal years.

Board members asked when construction might start; staff responded that Phase 2 completion in winter 2025 (fiscal year 2026) would position the project for future CIP requests but that actual construction would require additional planning and multi-year budget allocation. Staff said the county would continue community outreach and return findings to the commissioners for policy decisions.

No board vote on the project’s design or funding beyond the FY26 study request was recorded at the meeting.