The Department is continuing to acquire parkland and preserve sensitive areas along County Greenways. Property being appraised includes: 42 acres along the Patuxent River Greenway, 39 acres along the Patapsco Greenway, 13 acres adjacent to Patapsco State Park in Elkridge, and 16.5 acres in Ellicott City.

Construction was recently completed on a pathway to link Centennial Park to portions of the county pathway system. The almost half-mile long, 8-foot-wide paved path will include a pedestrian/bicycle bridge crossing over the Little Patuxent River and several sections of boardwalk along the river’s edge. Greenman-Pederson, Inc. prepared the engineering plans and the project is funded in part by a federal grant under the Transportation Enhancement Act. The MRC Construction Corporation of Crofton is in the final stages of work on the pathway.

The Department of Recreation and Parks and the design firm of McCrone, Inc., and GVA Architects, Inc., are currently finalizing plans for a 40,000 square foot indoor sports facility. This facility will house four regulation basketball courts with the flexibility to accommodate volleyball, soccer, in-line hockey and lacrosse. Construction is planned for the spring of 2008.

The URS Corporation of Hunt Valley is currently preparing plans and specifications for numerous site improvements that will enhance the experience of visitors to the historic Patapsco Female Institute. The proposed improvements include a restroom, a multi-purpose activity room, a theatrical stage, antique fencing and landscape gardens. All plans are subject to the review and approval of the Maryland Historical Trust, which maintains a historic easement on the grounds.

The Department continues to upgrade its lighted athletic fields to synthetic turf. Field #5 at Cedar Lane Park was recently reconstructed as a synthetic turf field, and Rockburn Field #6 is currently under construction. These two fields will bring the total inventory of synthetic turf fields up to five fields. A second synthetic turf field at Cedar Lane Park is scheduled for construction this fall. The benefits of synthetic turf as compared to natural turf are: continuous play even during inclement weather, reduced injury, no chemical applications, reduced water usage, less maintenance and a consistently uniform playing surface.

The Department of Recreation and Parks plans to use the Troy House in Elkridge as a visitor’s center and program space for the future Troy Regional Park. The Department has contracted with the National Park Service to develop architectural plans and perform the rehabilitation. The interior of the old stone house was completely destroyed by fire, so the plans will focus on an adaptive re-use of the interior, while maintaining a historically appropriate exterior. Extensive archeological investigations have been conducted in the vicinity of the house to assist in the planning process.

Phase IV of Western Regional Park will proceed to construction in the spring of 2008. This phase includes 4 miles of asphalt pathways, 1.5 miles of equestrian trails, five picnic shelters, two restrooms and a playground. Phase IV is scheduled for completion the summer of 2009.