(6/22) Through the Maryland Parks and Playgrounds Program, the Maryland General Assembly has designated funds for park infrastructure in all counties. With many parks in the Walkersville area including Heritage Farm Park, Community Park, and the new Creamery Park, the Walkersville Parks Commission is hoping to use the money for several park improvements. Knowing the importance of these spaces to the community, the commission plans to release a survey to the public to gauge interest in current ideas and receive additional suggestions.
At the June Parks Commission meeting, a number of different possibilities were introduced, some of which will likely make it into the survey. One idea is the installation of a splash pad, which is a non-pool area containing several water features that children can play in. Inspired by the newly-built splash pad in Sykesville’s Millard Cooper Park, these could help with the intense summer heat.
Other cooling options include misting stations similar to those at Utica Park and large outdoor sun shades.
The commission considered a number of different sport installations such as a skate park, a pump track for cyclists, a pickleball court, or perhaps even a golf course. They also discussed the possibility of creating an outdoor track and field space for the Glade Valley Athletic Association.
Commissioner Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis suggested that some of the money go toward Poured-in-Place at park playgrounds. This would replace current tire chips with a flat rubber surface, removing potential choking hazards. Poured-in-Place also has lower maintenance costs and is more accessible for those in wheelchairs or riding bikes and scooters.
In attendance at the parks meeting was Burgess Chad Weddle, who made a suggestion that the commission look into acquiring land to open a second entrance to Heritage Farm Park. As the park currently contains only one entry and exit point, such a project would increase access to one of the town's most popular parks for both park-goers and emergency vehicles.
Additional ideas include renovating restroom facilities, opening a dog park, and installing another tennis court (as the currently standing ones have been so popular).
While many excellent suggestions have been made by commissioners, the town values the opinions of its residents and hopes that the parks development survey will return even more possibilities. The Parks Commission plans to release the survey to the public as early as July.
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