Taneytown Parks board advances Memorial Park expansion plans, seeks approvals and funding; approves cameras and event calendar

The Taneytown Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Sept. 10 heard an update that the engineering team will resubmit final site plans for the Memorial Park expansion to State Highway Administration and County Forest Conservation this week; those two agency approvals were described as the last major outstanding steps before Planning Commission approval, easement deed conveyances and release of a construction RFP.

Lorena, speaking for the city’s parks staff, said grant funding for the project totals roughly $907,000 and identified the largest award as an approximately $865,000 grant from the National Park Service and about $43,000 from the county’s Program Open Space. She told the board the multipurpose building cost has risen by about $100,000 since the 2023 estimate and noted the 2023 capital outlay for the project had been listed at $1,729,000.

"Once we get those approvals, those are the last two holding points, then we can move forward," Lorena said, adding she would request an expedited review where possible but that State Highway operates on its own schedule. The board discussed that bid prices will reflect the passage of time and construction-cost increases since 2023.

The board also reviewed recent park improvements and maintenance items. Staff reported story-stroll frames at Memorial Park were replaced with metal frames, new polyvinyl sleeves were added to posts, and an activity at the park was scheduled for the next morning. Riprap was installed around the pond at Roberts Mill Park using a mix of larger and medium stones to reduce shoreline erosion. Public Works replaced two benches at Roth Avenue Park and repositioned them to face the playground. The fountain at Roberts Mill Park received a new motor and a debris basket after repeated motor failures; staff said the fountain runs on a timer (lights off at 10 p.m.; fountain power reduced or off from midnight to 4 a.m.).

Board members heard about playground repairs: a damaged dinosaur spring rocker at the Memorial Park Tot Lot was removed and will be replaced by a “sensory cocoon” on a solid post that spins slowly; rubber surfacing damaged in a spring storm remains under an insurance claim and crews are scheduled when weather permits.

Vandalism and security were a concern. Staff said the Memorial Park train and playground elements had been vandalized repeatedly and that public works and police responses had occurred; the board discussed adding cameras. Dan from Public Works said the plan is to add three cameras at Memorial Park and one or two cameras at Roberts Mill Park to provide fuller field coverage. Lorena noted footage quality and witness accounts can support restitution requests to the courts if offenders are prosecuted; courts can order restitution or community service.

Events and programming were a major agenda item. Staff outlined remaining 2025 events and proposed 2026 planning tied to America250 (the country’s 250th anniversary): Harvest Festival (Memorial Park, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 33 vendors), Photography Contest (deadline Nov. 1), Alyssa Richards Memorial Car Show (Memorial Park, Oct. 4; special event permit 25-002), Trunk or Treat and Tales of Taneytown (Oct. 25), Birds & Bourbon at Bollinger Park (Oct. 18; $25 ticket; 20 participants; guided tastings and birding led by Kimberly Smith Fuentes and David Smith), a proposed paid instructor-led yoga and meditation program at Bollinger Park in October, and a Christmas tree lighting scheduled for Dec. 6. Staff described the city’s special event permit process and fees: $100 application (waived for nonprofits), a $200 security deposit returned after a satisfactory post-event inspection, and required certificate of insurance; permits are reviewed by parks staff, public works and police, and then forwarded to city council.

Looking further ahead, the board reviewed proposed 2026 events tied to the America250 calendar: a Friday fireworks show July 3, a “Red, White and Blue” run in the morning followed by a parade and a family fun day at Memorial Park on July 4–5. Staff discussed options to expand fireworks funding through sponsorships or partnerships with local breweries or businesses; the board considered banner and sponsor-level incentives to attract donations.

Board housekeeping included nominations and elections. The board approved minutes from its July 16 meeting and then elected June as chair and Kathy Watson as secretary. Outgoing board member Mackenzie announced she accepted a new role with the city as executive administrator and will step down from the board; the mayor is expected to nominate a replacement for council appointment.

The board scheduled park inspections for the coming month and asked members to report any remaining maintenance needs. The next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting was set for Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.