HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 5 2026 minutes with closed session summary PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
March 5, 2026
MINUTES
Present Absent With Reason
Jeff Cline
Amy Sterner
Julie Sanders
Eric Michael
Dwayne Freeman
Mike Tesla
Lori Sines
Tom Hoffman
Chair, Amy Sterner, called the meeting of the Washington County Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board to order at 3:20 pm. Guests were Jaime Dick, Director of Parks &
Recreation; Andrew Eshleman, Director of Public Works; Rob Holsinger, Recreation
Supervisor; Travis Allen, Comprehensive Planner; Pam Boyd, Parks Manager; Tim
Alexander, Assistant Parks Supervisor; Michael Faith, Town Administrator Town of
Hancock; Debra Valentine-Smith, Town Administrator Town Sharpsburg; Melissa Irwin
Vice Chairperson Town of Smithsburg, Judith McFarland, Park Commissioner Town of
Smithsburg.
Approval of Minutes
Ms. Sterner asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes of February 5, 2026,
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting.
With no corrections or additions, the minutes passed as presented unanimously, 6-0 by
the Board. Eric Michael made the motion to approve the minutes, and Lori Sines
seconded the motion.
Citizen's Comments
No one appeared for Citizen's comments.
Pro ram Open Space Presentations
Town of Hancock
Michael Faith, Town Manager, from the Town of Hancock presented the POS request
for FY2027.
Park Name: Widmeyer Park
Project Name: Widmeyer Park Parking Lot Improvements
POS Funds Requested: $116,472
Local Funds: $15,300
Total Project Cost: $131,772
The Town of Hancock seeks funding for development of the parking lot at Widmeyer
Park. The splash pad installed at this park has been tremendously successful,
exceeding all expectations for community use. This is the third year for the splash pad
and is free of charge to use. A sizeable grant was given to the Town of Hancock to
install the splash pad. The parking lot also serves the parks main pavilion (used every
weekend during summer), newly constructed pickleball and basketball courts, and the
annual National Night Out Celebration.
The existing parking lot and access driveway have deteriorated significantly and require
complete repaving. Previously, basketball standards and fencing in disrepair were
removed to reclaim parking spaces.
The new parking lot layout and striping will be for approximately 96 standard parking
stalls.
4 ADA handicapped accessible parking stalls with access aisles
2 EV charging station stalls
Installation of approximately 46 parking blocks
At the Town's expense they are improving the bathrooms and a storage building.
Mr. Faith feels it is a great investment for the Town and will dramatically improve the
Park. Mr. Faith thanked the Board for their time.
Town of Sharpsburg
Debra Valentine-Smith, Town Administrator, from the Town of Sharpsburg presented
the POS request for FY2027.
Park Name: Sharpsburg Community Park
Project Name: Park Area Expansion, Restoration and Accessibility
POS Funds Requested: $58,500
Local Funds: $6,500
Total Project Cost: $65,000
The proposed project consists of rehabilitating and resurfacing the current parking area
of the Sharpsburg Community Park to provide safe and ease of access for everyone
that utilizes this public recreation park.
The current parking area is cracked and unsafe for accessibility in any form and is in
dire need of restoration. Currently the parking lot is not marked for parking. The project
will allow for expansion of the parking to include safe accessibility to the park entrance
as well as marked parking areas that will also designate handicapped parking.
The current parking lot does not connect to the Park, and the Town has a CP&P Grant
that is pending from inside of the gates for accessibility continuous from the parking lot
into the park for transition and accessibility purposes.
The Town will have a company install as many parking spaces as they can in the
current area and have handicap accessibility up to the gate for safe accessibility and the
rest for regular parking.
Public access will not be denied to any point during the project. There are various entry
points other than at the main parking area that will permit entry to the park.
Ms. Valentine-Smith thanked the Board for their time.
Town of Smithsburg
Melissa Irwin Vice Chairperson Town of Smithsburg, Judith McFarland, Park
Commissioner Town of Smithsburg presented the POS request for FY2027.
Park Name: Lions Community Park
Project Name: Lions Community Park Playground Enhancement
POS Funds Requested: $121,000
Local Funds: $13,500
Total Project Cost: $135,000
Lions Community Park is a current public park owned and operated by the Town of
Smithsburg. Access to the park and its facilities are currently open to members of the
public within certain operating hours (generally sunrise to sunset). The proposed
project will not require any restrictions or limitations to the property both prior to and
subsequent to park development. The proposed project will enhance park features that
will be well received and utilized by the members of the public during operating hours.
The Lions Community Park Playground Enhancement Project will revitalize an existing
well utilized public park by replacing the current aging and outdated playground
equipment with modern, inclusive, and safety-compliant structures. The proposed
project will be located within walking distance of multiple residential neighborhoods, and
will provide a safe, engaging, and developmentally supportive environment for children
of all ages and abilities. The current outdated playground equipment no longer meets
National Playground Safety Standards and poses safety and accessibility concerns.
The proposed project will build upon an existing facility, and upgrading this equipment
with modern, inclusive play structures will create a safe and equitable recreational
environment that will support the park remaining a vital community asset.
The Town of Smithsburg's Park Commission, comprised of local community members,
have strongly supported replacing the outdated equipment. This support has taken the
form of a multi-year improvement agenda and advisory meetings, with the goal of
reinforcing the community's commitment to accessible recreation without new land use.
The proposed project will foster community cohesion and social physical health by
providing a safe, accessible space for families and children to gather, play, and engage
in physical activity. Additionally, the proposed project has potential economic benefits,
such as boosting local property values and supporting the Town's designation as a
Sustainable Community.
The proposed project responds directly to community feedback related to enhancing
public parks and green spaces near the Town and complements regional efforts to
enhance public parks and green spaces as identified in Washington County's Land
Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan. It also supports Washington County's
Comprehensive Plan 2040 by improving recreation in a designated growth area without
sprawling into rural lands. It aligns with Maryland's State Planning Act and its twelve
visions, especially those for community green spaces, distinctive towns, and efficient
public facilities, by promoting health and local character with minimal environmental
impact. The project also fits the County's LPPRP by upgrading a priority park to meet
community needs while protecting farmland and natural resources.
The Town has actively pursued grant funding for the playground replacement and
applications have been submitted to multiple sources, in particular, the CP&P program.
Due to the high cost of replacing the entire playground, the project has been broken
down into phases.
Melissa Irwin also sincerely thanked the Board for their letter of support for the
Greenspace Equity Grant Application to install educational nature walk signs in
Veterans Park.
Ms. Sterner also verified that the amount requested for the project is $121,500, The
Total Development Cost listed in their application is $123,009.
Mr. Eshleman asked that they elaborate on other applications that have been made for
funding. Ms. Irvin said they previously applied for funding for the entire playground at
Lions Park through Greenspace Equity Program last year and denied funding. That is
why they are breaking it into phases this time and will use some of the Towns money
for some of the pieces to complement the main piece they would like to purchase.
Mr. Eshleman said the projects for the FY27 CP&P projects for the State Budget are
listed now but getting responses back from various programs are staggered depending
on the grant program.
Department Reports
Parks & Recreation Director's Report
Mr. Dick gave the P&R Director's Report.
Black Rock Golf Course Update
With a break in the weather, the course was able to open last weekend.
A new simulator has been purchased for the Club House.
Continuing to plan the construction of the Golf Learning Center. We hope to have a
groundbreaking event this Spring.
New rates will go into effect this Spring.
Ag Ed Center Update
The County Commissioners approved a 20-year lease with Ag Expo to use the Ag
Center for their event.
Staff are working on completing Pole Barn #5 we hope to have ready this month.
The first major event is scheduled for March 14t", the Quad State Beer Fest.
The Rural Heritage Museum Spring Open house is on March 28th.
Parks & Recreation Update
The Facilities Staff are reconditioning the ballfield at Chestnut Grove Park.
Clear Spring Little League closed operations and consolidated with Conococheague
Little League. Staff have met with the Conococheague Little League Board to discuss
the usage of the fields at Clear Spring Park.
Staff are processing special event permits for Spring & Summer. Events include Easter
Egg Hunts, running events, disc golf tournaments, and travel ball tournaments.
Tri- State Senior Softball League returns to Marty Snook Park this Spring.
Staff have been conducting interviews for park & pool seasonal positions.
New Playground equipment will be installed at Woodland Way Park this Spring.
nd
An Earth Day-tree planting event is scheduled for Woodland Way Park on April 22
Recreation staff are continuing to work on the Spring/Summer program schedule and
will be open to the public April 1 for registration.
Recreation staff is working on set up for the annual St. Patrick's Day Runfest scheduled
for Saturday, March 14t" in the City of Hagerstown.
Next Scheduled Meeting
Next scheduled Board meeting will be held on April 2, 2026, at 3:20 pm in the ARCC on
the campus of HCC, Room 220.
Unfinished Business
No unfinished business was discussed.
New Business
Antietam Drive Park — Park Name Discussion/Recommendation
The Antietam Water Trail has been an ongoing collaborative effort that the County has
taken a lead in to put public access locations on Antietam Creek where people can
recreate, fish, put boats and kayaks, etc. and have access locations at regular intervals
for manageable floats and alleviate issues with crossing private property. The starting
location for the trail is the location at Security Rd and Antietam Rd. The County acquired
the property which was also a nuisance property and working on a design to construct a
park with 11 parking spaces, a small picnic area, a viewshed for the old damn and down
from the damn will be a boating access location. The project will be under construction
this Summer. The Park will be gated with electronic gates.
Mr. Eshleman gave the Board history about the site. It is located at the corner of
Security and Antietam where Marsh Run and Antietam Creek come together. That was
originally the site of a flour mill which dates to 1783 called Millbrook. In 1820 that
location was the County's third most productive mill. In 1867 after the Civil War, it was
converted to a paper mill and the first location for the Antietam Paper Company which
later moved to Antietam Street. Later it was the site of Hagerstown Paint and Glass.
The building caught fire about 25 years ago and was demolished.
Mr. Eshleman is looking for ideas and thoughts on a recommendation for a park name.
Ultimately the recommendation/consensus will go before the Commissioners for final
approval, but something for the Board to think about.
Catoctin Land Trust— Whole Watershed Grant
The Catoctin Land Trust was successful in getting a Whole Watershed Grant from the
State. It is a multi-year effort, and the goal is to improve the water quality for the
Antietam Creek Watershed and it can be done in a variety of ways with funding through
tree plantings and stream restorations, etc. and having a tie to recreational aspects of
the Antietam Creek is important and that is an eligible activity for the grant. $85,000 has
been pledged to help the development of the Antietam Drive Park and $200,000 for the
next fiscal year that could be used for the Antietam Drive Park or another Park location.
For small dollar amount transactions, like tree planting, the State can kick in and pay for
that directly and for things that are not grant eligible they are willing to help with those
efforts. When there are larger project type costs will look to develop a memorandum of
understanding and agreement to have in place to accept those pledges and account for
that in the budget.
Mr. Eshleman wanted the Board to be aware of the pledge and feels overall this is a
positive thing for the community and to have the support for that type of recreational
development. The legal logistics will need to be worked out, but we do have email
pledges and there have been conversations for funding support.
Closed Session
Eric Michael, seconded by Mike Tesla, moved to convene in closed session at 3:56pm.
The motion was passed unanimously 6-0).
To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly
related thereto;
• Discussion of acquisition of property for purposes of amended site location
• Discussion of acquisition of property for perpetual easement over State
Land
In closed session, the Board discussed; and/or reached a consensus regarding:
• Acquisition of property for purposes of amended site location;
• Acquisition of property for perpetual easement over State Land.
Present during closed session were Commissioner Jeffrey A Cline, Amy Sterner, Chair
P&R Board; Julie Sanders, Vice-Chair— P&R Board; Eric Michael/WCPS, P&R Board
Member; Dwayne Freeman, non-voting Ex-OfFicio, P&R Board Member BOE; Tom
Hoffman, P&R Board Member; Mike Tesla, P&R Board Member; Lori Sines, P&R Board
Member; Andrew Eshleman, Director of Public Works; Jaime Dick, Director or Parks &
Recreation; Rob Holsinger, Recreation Supervisor; Travis Allen, Comprehensive
Planner; Pam Boyd, Parks Manager; Tim Alexander; Assistant Parks Supervisor
Reconvene in Open Session
Loris Sines, seconded by Eric Michael, moved to reconvene in open session at 4:29
pm. The motion was passed unanimously (6-0).
Adjournment
With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:32 pm.
e
41
Arn rner, Chair J iannine Miller McVicker
Washington County Recording Secretary
Parks & Recreation Board Washington Co Parks & Recreation Board
TEMPLATE FOR CLOSED-SESSION SUMMARY
TO BE INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES IN THE NEXT OPEN MEETING
(General Provisions Article §3-306(c))
Instructions: When a public body meets in a session closed under§ 3-305 of the Open Meetings Act, it
must disclose the following four sets of information in the minutes either of its next open session or in
the minutes of the open session that it held that day, so long as the public knows to look there. This
template provides a checklist for the required information. The worksheet at the bottom of the model
closing statement contains a shorter form of the same checklist. Use of these forms is optional; the
formatting of the summary is up to the public body so long as the public body includes the required
information in its minutes at the required time.
The four sets of information required by§ 3-306(c) are:
1. A statement of the time, place, and purpose of the closed session.
2. A record of the vote of each member as to closing the session.
3. Statutory authority to close session.
4. A listing of the actual topics of discussion, persons present, and each action taken in the session.
SUMMARY OF CLOSED SESSION HELD ON [DATE]
.1. Statement of the time, place, and purpose of the closed session.
Time of closed session: 3:56 pm
Place (location) of closed session: ARCC, RM 220 - 11400 Robinwood Drive, Hagerstown
Purpose of the closed session: Discussion of alternate park locatlon;Discussion of perpetual easement over State land for development of
creek park access
2. Record of the vote of each member as to closing the session:
Names of members voting aye: Amy Sterner;Julie Sanders;Mike Tesla;Tom„Hoffman;Eric Michael;Lori Sines
Members opposed: Abstaining:
3. Statutory authority to close session:
This meeting was closed under the following provisions of General Provisions Art. § 3-305(b):
4 Topic#1:§3-305(b) (3) Topic#2: §3-305(b)( 3) -,4 Topic#3: §3-305(b) ( }
(add others as needed)
4. Listing of each topic actually discussed, persons present, and each action taken in the session:
Topic description Persons present for discussion Action Taken/Each
Recorded Vote
#1: Amended site Vote on amended park location
location All members;Andrew Eshleman;Jaime Dick
Rob Holsin effravis Allen•Pam Ba d:Tim Alexander
#2: perpetual
easement Saute Vote on perpetual easement over State Land
over State land
#3:
September 24,2018