County parks board gets progress updates on 3 Notch Trail, athletic fields, interpretive center and other projects

Department staff provided a multi-item project update at the Nov. 7 Recreation and Parks meeting covering trail construction, field renovations, an interpretive center project, and awards for local facilities.

Brian (Parks staff presenting project updates) gave the board an overview of 3 Notch Trail phase 6, a roughly five-mile section that will extend the northern trail from Md. Route 5 to Md. Route 236 in the Budds Creek/Charlotte Hall area and bring the county closer to an 11-mile continuous trail in the northern county. Staff forwarded final solicitation documents to the State Highway Administration for advertising on Oct. 21; construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2014 and could take about a year, Brian said.

Brian also described a county press release seeking about 5 acres of suitable land in the central to upper Patuxent River area for a public boat landing and ramp; staff asked landowners to contact the department if they are willing to sell or donate property.

At Charlotte Hall (5th District Park), staff reported wet-weather delays to construction of three new multi-purpose athletic fields adjacent to the school. Topsoil screening and placement are largely complete but rain prevented seeding during the optimal window (Sept. 15–Oct. 15); staff will stabilize surfaces for winter and plant seed in the spring seeding window (March 15–May 15) with an additional overseed next fall. The delay likely pushes a public opening to spring 2015 rather than fall 2014, staff said.

The Flat Tops house renovation (Veil War interpretive center) was awarded to WM Davis as a design-build contractor; staff and the Unified Committee for Afro American Contributions are developing design requirements and expect to submit plans to the Maryland Historical Trust in mid-November for review, with construction contingent on approvals.

Lancaster Park design and engineering continue, and engineering consultants are addressing agency comments and preparing an engineer’s cost estimate. Leonardtown Park concept work is under way with multi-purpose fields, lit fields, baseball/softball, playground and dog park envisioned; future presentations will include the Board of Education and Town of Leonardtown.

Other notes from staff: program open space funding of $125,000 was awarded toward the 3 Notch Trail section and $60,000 was awarded for replacement flooring at Leonard Hall Recreation Center; tennis court renovations at Jarvisville and 5th District Park are ready but delayed until spring because color coating requires minimum temperatures; and the county is reviewing patrol, signage and other safety measures for 3 Notch Trail access points where parking and use have increased.

Board members asked for future reports on strategic goals and program priorities and staff said they will bring draft materials and possible presentations from user groups to upcoming meetings.