Commission advances Halloween Point Park master plan to agency review and May hearing

Park planner Stephanie Sperling presented the Halloween Point Park master plan update, saying the county contracted Murphy and Dittenhofer in summer 2023 and that public outreach included a fall 2023 survey with "more than 2,000 people who responded to that survey." The draft completed in September 2024 proposes improvements including updated Bermudagrass fields, a synthetic turf field in the park's northwest, food‑truck areas, a paved walking path circling the park, improved baseball infields and dugouts, a new pavilion, and potential additions such as an in‑ground skate park and expanded basketball courts.

Staff recommended options for next steps: (a) send the plan to agencies for review and schedule a May 21, 2025 public hearing with at least 60 days' notice to agencies and adjoining jurisdictions; (b) direct staff to make changes then proceed with (a); or (c) direct staff to make changes and return to the Planning Commission. A commissioner moved to send the plan to agencies, schedule the May 21 hearing and notify agencies and adjoining jurisdictions; the motion was seconded, discussed and carried by voice vote.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the portion of the park leased by the Board of County Commissioners (not part of this update), agency review and how chapter language would be presented for public review. Staff said Chapter 1 content would be included in the public hearing when the Prince Frederick chapter is brought forward and that a track‑changes version will be offered to show edits.