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Proposal would nearly double Harmon Park, add courts and parking; residents urge safety features
Summary
Developers presented a plan to expand Harmon Park by roughly 3 acres (bringing public parkland to about 10 acres), add courts, a pavilion, a ~20‑space parking lot and a multi‑use field; residents urged fencing for tot lots, a water mister, safer crosswalks and park signage. Parks & Rec would be responsible for park improvements unless the developer elects to fund them.
Developers told the Frederick City Planning Commission they intend to expand Harmon Park by about 3 acres in addition to the previously designated 6.9 acres, creating roughly 10 acres of contiguous public parkland that would include pickleball courts, tennis and basketball courts, a multi‑use field, a pavilion and a small parking lot near Winchester Street.
"This will incorporate and basically double the size of Harmon Park with what's been proposed," applicant representative Chris Mariga said during the commission workshop, outlining a regional trail connection, a ~20‑space parking area at the southwest corner and an expanded tot lot. He said the developer worked with Parks & Rec staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission on the park concept.
Commissioners focused questions on pedestrian safety and access. Commissioners asked whether the crosswalk on East Street would be signalized; the applicant said the city traffic engineer is reviewing it and that final design would likely include flashing lights and a mid‑crossing refuge rather than a full traffic signal. Staff recommended consideration of a raised crosswalk to improve motorist awareness and forwarded that idea to the traffic engineer.
Pam (staff) clarified that the applicant is not required to construct the park improvements and that Parks & Rec would normally carry out capital improvements, though the developer could elect to perform improvements and receive parkland impact‑fee credit. She also reiterated off‑site sign rules and that any directional sign would have to meet off‑site sign size limits.
During public comment Heather Goddard of East Frederick Rising praised the design but urged the commission and Parks & Rec to keep a fence separating small children’s play areas from courts and East Street, to include a water misting feature to increase summer usability, to add at least a small soccer goal on the field, and to add a name sign for Harmon Park as a placemaking element.
The workshop ended with commissioners agreeing to continue the item to the formal hearing where designs and dimensions (including parking and sign details) will be made available for further review.
