Parks & Recreation previews multiple projects; commissioners honor local dance instructor

Steve Chanley, director of Parks & Recreation, briefed the commissioners on a range of completed and planned projects: retrofitted field lighting, tennis‑court repairs, White Marsh restroom installation (work expected to start soon), Piney Creek pedestrian‑bridge inspection and repairs, trail phases nearing completion, an invasive species management contract with multiple vendors, public‑landing projects at Crumpton and Deep Landing (kayak launches), and ongoing work at Bay Bridge Airport (runway, taxiway lighting and phased rehabilitation).

Chanley said the department invested in capital assets in the past year and listed a schedule of upcoming projects he believes could be completed by May or June if weather cooperates. He also noted the department will rebid the golf course maintenance contract in fall 2026 to align contractor turnover with the off‑season.

The board presented the Character Counts 'Respect' spotlight to Diane Mormon White for her Soul Line Dancing class. Melinda Ray, the coordinator, described White’s community outreach and adaptive programming; White thanked the county and participants and said the program creates a welcoming community through dance.

Commissioners praised parks staff and asked for continued updates, and county leaders reiterated plans for a future recreation center as a high‑priority capital need for youth programming.