Trappe council approves application seeking state grant for girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park

The Trappe Town Council voted Aug. 19 to approve a grant application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Community Parks and Playground Program to fund a girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park. Commissioner Jeremy Newnam moved to approve the application as submitted; Commissioner Michael Sullivan seconded the motion. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one abstention.

Cheryl Lewis presented the completed grant application and said the proposal seeks state funds to create a girls softball field at Home Run Baker Park. Commissioner Walter Chase asked about Talbot County Parks and Recreation’s response; Lewis said minutes included in the meeting packet indicate the county supports the Town’s application.

Commissioner Rose Potter raised who would maintain the park if the Town is the grant applicant but does not own the property. Assistant Town Attorney Carly Landolfi said paragraphs 3, 4 and 6 of the draft joint‑use agreement in the grant packet state the Town’s responsibility ends when construction is completed and the project is turned over to the County. Landolfi said the Town would manage the project and funds but would not perform ongoing maintenance.

Lewis recommended the Town submit the draft joint‑use agreement with the state as part of the application but not sign it until the state and all parties have reviewed and approved it; she said the joint‑use agreement would be required only if the Town receives the grant and that the state will not release funds until a signed agreement is in place. Lewis also said the Little League would be responsible for field maintenance and facility upkeep if the grant is awarded.

A participant identified as Mr. Bowman asked about the proposed field’s orientation, parking and lighting. Lewis said lighting is not included in the current proposal because of cost and that the county is aware of parking issues and is examining options.

The council recorded the vote on the motion to approve the grant application as Newnam — yes; Sullivan — yes; Schmidt — yes; Potter — yes (contingent on the joint‑use agreement being put into place); Chase — abstain. The motion was approved. Commissioner Michael Sullivan then moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:27 a.m.; Commissioner Newnam seconded, and the adjournment was unanimously approved.

What happens next: The Town will submit the grant application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and, if awarded, will finalize and sign a joint‑use agreement with Talbot County before the state releases funds.