Media Release

Division of Parks and Recreation / 118 North Market Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
CONTACT: Desiré MacInnes
Marketing Coordinator
301.600.2391
TTY: Use Maryland Relay
dmacinnes@fredco-md.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 7, 2007

FREDERICK COUNTY SIGNS THE DEED FOR DONATED PARKLAND

FREDERICK, MD – On Thursday, December 6th, at 1:30 pm, the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners signed the deed for donated parkland.  During the ceremony, several speakers took the podium to tell visitors of the benefits the new park property will have on the community.  Speakers included Frederick County Board of County Commissioner President, Jan Gardner; Frederick County Board of County Commissioner Kai Hagen Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair, Bill Lukens; Maryland Recreation and Parks Association Executive Director, Tom Ross; and land donor, Richard Thometz.

Other dignitaries present to help commemorate this new park included Julianna Albowicz representing Senator Barbara Milkulski.

The Board of County Commissioners accepted this parcel; referred to as Overlook Park, from Mr. Richard Thometz on November 8, 2007, for the purpose of designating it as parkland and providing a trail corridor for a future trail connection along the Monocacy River and Linganore Creek. 

Mr. Richard Thometz approached the Division of Parks and Recreation with the concept of donating two parcels of land to Frederick County in November 2004 for use as parkland and future trail connections.  One parcel is just north of Interstate 70 and west of Linganore Road and is 14.9 acres.  The second parcel is 28.9 acres, just south of Interstate 70 and west of Linganore Road.  Both of these properties border the Monocacy River.

Mr. Richard Thometz and Commissioner Gardner after signing the deed

A trail along the Monocacy River is consistent with the Board of County Commissioners approved Bikeway and Trail Plan. This provides an opportunity for future development of the Monocacy River Trail System, the Monocacy River Greenway and the Linganore Creek Trail System as well. This acquisition can also play a major role in the development of a countywide trail system. In addition, this site can provide an opportunity for future development of a “carry in” boat-launching ramp on Linganore Creek for canoes and rowboats.

The New Market Region Plan, which includes the area of these properties, identifies the Linganore Creek Corridor as a priority study area and encourages the County to develop a Stream Valley Park Plan for Linganore Creek. The acquisition of this property supports these goals.

For more information, please call 301.600.1646 or visit us online at Recreater.com.

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