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Design firms selected for Leonardtown library/Garvey Center; county aims to coordinate parks, senior services and fields
Summary
County staff selected a design firm within budget for the Leonardtown library replacement and nearby Garvey Center; commissioners asked staff to coordinate site planning with park and school needs to preserve fields and add multipurpose and pickleball courts.
St. Mary—s County staff told commissioners they completed selection of an architect for the Leonardtown Library replacement and the Garvey Center design and that cost estimates came in within budget.
Kimberly Howe and George Erickson described the selection process and said they will ask the board to authorize the award because the contract exceeds $1 million. If approved, the firm will submit bonds and begin design, with a 16‑month design timeline once notice to proceed is given.
Staff described a charrette‑style public and stakeholder engagement process that will bring together the library board, senior activity center advocates and parks staff to generate three concept alternatives and reduce the risk of repeated redesign cycles. "We wanna bring three concepts to you early so that we're not spinning our wheels," Erickson said.
Brian Lowey (recreation and parks) briefed commissioners on plans for Leonardtown Park and Hayden property scenarios. He said the current design work can still accommodate two to three multipurpose fields alongside library and Garvey Center siting and that park planning will pivot toward multipurpose fields, turf vs. natural grass tradeoffs, and adding pickleball courts due to demand.
Commissioners asked staff to coordinate closely with the Board of Education on middle‑school siting, State Highway on traffic impacts near Route 5 and with Leonardtown leadership on potential co‑location and parking synergies. Staff said they would involve outside event/tournament operators and consider centralized parking and lighting needs if fields are to host tournaments.
Ending: Staff will return with award documentation for the design firm and present concept options early in the design process; commissioners asked staff to convene partners to assess field needs, parking and connectivity to transit and downtown.
