The county recently purchased property from Mount St. Mary’s for the park.
Frederick, Md (KM) It’s something residents in northern Frederick County have wanted for years. During a public information briefing on Thursday, County Executive Jan Gardner announced that the county has purchased a 152.7-acre property from Mount Saint Mary’s University for the park to be located between Emmitsburg and Thurmont.
The property is located east of Route 15 straddling Motter Station Road. “Mount Saint Mary’s University actually did a concept which we’ve overlaid on the site. So you can get an idea of what you can get in the future in terms of fields and other amenities,” Gardner said. “So it will be a park that can offer both active and passive recreation.”
Currently, the land is zoned agriculture and features both forested areas and open space.
Mount President Dr. Tim Trainor was on hand on Thursday for the announcement. “I share your excitement for this regional park and applaud you and the county for your vision in planning a sports hub in northern Frederick County by locating the park next to the University’s PNC Sports Complex, home of our 24 NCAA Division One Teams,”: he said.
“We are thrilled to invite youth and adults from across the county, and indeed the Greater Washington Area, to experience the beauty of Mary’s Mountain,” Dr. Trainor continued. “And potentially tap into the resources offered by our coaches, trainers and athletes as well as those of the new regional park.”
Gardner said the Division of Parks and Recreation will form a Master Plan Advisory Committee to develop plans for the park’s future. Members will come from local recreation councils and sports leagues, civic associations, neighboring property owners and other people.
“There is a small cemetery located on the property which will be preserved and maintained,” says Gardner.
The county says the total purchase price of the property is $857,000. Out of that amount, $807,000 comes from the state’s Program Open Space, and $50,000 of that comes out of recordation tax revenue.
By Kevin McManus