Board briefed on park projects: entrance fee review, Civil War memorial grant, 3 Notch Trail progress, skate park policy and golf course finances

Recreation and Parks staff provided a multi-item project update at the Dec. 1 board meeting covering waterfront park entrance fees, a Civil War memorial, trail engineering, park capital projects, skate‑park management and the county golf course’s financial outlook.

Entrance fees and county action: Staff reminded the board that the department previously endorsed recommendations to continue entrance fees at Elms Beach and Myrtle Point parks and said staff presented those recommendations to the St. Mary's County Commissioners. Staff will return to the commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 6 for follow-up and said commissioners are expected to act on continuation of the fee program.

Civil War memorial at Lancaster Park: Staff reported progress on a Civil War memorial project being developed in partnership with the Unified Committee for Afro American Contributions (UCAC). The project includes $150,000 in state bond bill funding; staff said they recently joined UCAC representatives in Annapolis where the Board of Public Works approved the grant agreement needed to access the funds. Staff said a sculptor has been commissioned, site work is expected in spring and the design calls for a 30-by-30 plaza, pedestal locations and additional monuments honoring U.S. Colored Troops from St. Mary's County.

3 Notch Trail…