Parks & Recreation reports trail, skate-park and field improvements; phase 3 of Kent Island trail moves to construction

Steve Chaney, director of Queen Anne's County Department of Parks and Recreation, summarized recent capital and operations work on Sept. 23: resurfacing projects on multiple park courts, lighting upgrades at Route 18 Park, installation of public art and a new skate park, two new permanent restroom installations and continued work on trail extensions.

Phase 1 and 2 of the Kent Island South Trail are complete (phase 2 includes the segment in front of Matapeake Elementary). Phase 3 bids were awarded in August to a contractor who is scheduled to begin work Oct. 1; work is seasonally restricted because of nesting windows for forest-interior species, so the construction window runs from September through March to avoid disturbance during the breeding season.

Chaney also said staff have expanded invasive-plant control with a roster of contractors, used thin-layer dredge-material placement at Matapeake to restore beach area, and continued upgrades to marina and landing signage. Parks staff reported heavy use of artificial turf and field rentals for tournaments and leagues and said g-max testing and routine maintenance are in place for turf surfaces.

Why it matters: the projects increase recreational capacity and safety, support organized leagues and tournaments, and address shoreline and trail infrastructure that draws tourists and residents. Seasonal constraints on construction and habitat protections shape project schedules and contractor selection.

Ending: Parks staff said they will continue phased construction of the trail and pursue grant funding for future amenities; a public ribbon-cutting for several completed items was anticipated once final work is complete.