[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6090161,"mediaKeyId","2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e","parentId",2868081,"title","Board discusses field reservation conflicts, irrigation and volunteer roles; department pursuing system and policy updates","audioSeconds",370,"startMs",2962000,"endMs",3332000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e&start=2962&end=3332","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e/thumbnail_2962000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6090161/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Board-discusses-field-reservation-conflicts-irrigation-and-volunteer-roles-department-pursuing-system-and-policy-updates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090161-09c78dcfc440279c302b3cfd6617fac4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442721&Signature=E2vvUZWgzK0V6~3d8sxKHxj2TMwoOFqkc9QlxXyk8g1wEcLw~p0oUjpMmwdpQ20h-aFreZ3~JBUniL7tVh6j9UnF3bcpysp69GQWXHPZ1WpjNHQxiOx6tnLx0KisksTLIYq1Jy4UD7vMbyMQwMUU7wI8dMSvpD-RagCenhGz9F4jmDlFbQaQ4cJ4prezVHFHvvw~mlPcgm89RFg4Du24O0Ws07ugn7MbarFV8GH624rb1H-7uajsuEA5kfDqAXgoz2AUXyhxEE1L0w1bYsuBKfBgcSbQ3Bb1fEEOAQQjKOx0cj4LxUIpMLYd1q8H9vN2x4IPaoq6haZ7F5hR2MCKFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-04-04T00:33:11.823Z","article","Board members raised issues with field reservation clarity and maintenance at Chancellor's Run and other facilities, and department staff described steps to improve scheduling transparency and field care.

A board member reported a recent double‑booking at Chancellor's Run where an adult softball group believed it held a permit but, staff said, had not filed paperwork. The parties resolved the conflict on site. Board members suggested a park‑level permit log or spreadsheet accessible to on‑site attendants so staff could quickly confirm whether a group had an active permit.

Christy Bishop said the department is expanding its field‑use data collection and that fall scheduling is tied to the permit cycle—permits and grandfathering considerations are handled beginning around July 1 when permits are due. She said the existing reservation policy has been updated several times and was last updated in January; staff are discussing additional policy adjustments and technical fixes with division managers.

Staff said there is no simple penalty for reserving fields and not using them and that they have seen an increase in last‑minute cancellations in the spring. The department is pursuing a replacement for the RecTrac registration/reservation system and noted “promising conversations,” but said no decision is final.

On field maintenance, staff said irrigation was recently added to some infields at Chancellor's (infields on Fields 2–3 had added irrigation trenches and heads), and that the department is seeking estimates to add water fountains or bottle fillers at high‑use parks. Board members discussed the playing surface mix (a DuraEdge product) and whether it requires additional watering; staff said the vendor had indicated one mix would require less watering but that field managers still sometimes need irrigation because of weather conditions.

Staff also said legal and risk management advised that volunteers cannot operate county equipment, but volunteers bringing and using their own equipment for field maintenance has occurred informally and is under review. Staff said they would bring recommendations to the board on reservation policy refinements and operational changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4/3/25 Recreation and Parks Board","oneSentenceSummary","Board members reported booking confusion and double‑booking events at Chancellor's Run; staff said fall scheduling begins after July 1 when permits are due, a grandfathering policy exists, the department is testing a replacement for RecTrac, and irrigation or bottle fillers are being estimated for selected sites.","taxTitle","St. Mary's County, Maryland","taxId",51086,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090166,"County details waterfront park hours, passes and weekend revenue; weekend cash only now, electronic payments planned",472,2366000,2838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e&start=2366&end=2838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e/thumbnail_2366000.jpg","/articles/6090166/St-Marys-County/Maryland/County-details-waterfront-park-hours-passes-and-weekend-revenue-weekend-cash-only-now-electronic-payments-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090166-550042065c5f7975a56ac864742c3e69/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442721&Signature=oYxmyfjVxODje0uNsXjZAfCZA6WGHQ9FKyrOm-uZR63qyUKlcPNUKPO0RUn9DPyO1b6vJifyN4dvdcROznavQ760kIjEosJ7~JilJQ03Ni4K2FtfkYmk8MytgbKngvSthRFnG-eVStSHSb1QykX-w9MKjPbEbmdU3stcZsTT7cpIGfQ6BA8cvTYWUCHnAvhneWPgRd9QUFxaRFyjTL-zMYBgccmsMb4Dq7PoDTLldppCseOzsqBoQOjwFtLOiRj9IMBj2vFZldDKFdDwnCTrGFZHyUugzfFyckHraPUDoWVg-gfZ308-flpx61HnT-F7LMRG-KspZHM0R2Lid1vgcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks division staff described operations and weekend fee collection at the county’s three waterfront parks and provided last year’s attendance and revenue figures.

Roy Kovsey, the parks division manager, said waterfront parks (Elm Beach, Myrtle Point and Snow Hill) open at 8 a.m. daily, with closing times that vary by month and sunset. Snow Hill is closed to public vehicle access December through March but Elm Beach allows walk‑ins during that winter period. Kovsey said Snow Hill is staffed daily April through November; Myrtle Point is staffed on holidays and weekends from the first Saturday in May through Labor Day.

Kovsey said weekend visitors can choose day passes or season passes and that season passes may cover a single park or combinations of two or three parks. He said passes are sold in the main office, online and at waterfront parks on weekends. Weekend park entries are currently cash only at the park gate; staff said they hope to add electronic payment capability tied to a new reservation system and to extend utilities and Wi‑Fi to some parks to support that change.

On attendance, staff said Elm Beach had the highest overall weekend attendance and the highest percentage of out‑of‑county visitors; Snow Hill’s visitation increased after the recent playground ribbon‑cutting and the park’s amenities. Kovsey reported that the department collected $138,289 last year in single‑day admissions and season pass sales across the three waterfront parks.

Staff emphasized there are no lifeguards at the county beaches and described staff roles for weekend operations—fee collection, parking assistance, trash removal and monitoring park safety. Kovsey and other staff said they are exploring parking additions and other access options to expand water access in underserved areas.","Parks division reported seasonal hours, fee structure and attendance at three waterfront parks, said staff collected $138,289 in passes and day fees last year, and noted Snow Hill had increased visitation after new amenities opened.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090170,"Recreation and Parks lists capital projects, permits and ADA work for upcoming year",706,1203000,1909000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e&start=1203&end=1909","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e/thumbnail_1203000.jpg","/articles/6090170/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Recreation-and-Parks-lists-capital-projects-permits-and-ADA-work-for-upcoming-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090170-5bccdf5fc3cec8898674b8a251fae71c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442721&Signature=KAYus8f~Ik-ht87zfqCZBvxqsC52mpv2e5qeGL2-YCXotPvsQI0hEkV935wJhtVqkskAUSNZ0frGZd7h4qM7AXYjVRCvTI9p1DwWm7dx~RvE5g9phRABH-jVYEFhEt9xrECBYJnj2T-4ZNOKVEYp0LhDxa2G~XMMtntAVunAW96mfawMfQx7aozZI2Z7fMIi02mSkOXQN1PzD0n-o7w60fx932yOG0eoG6mBiSAAD2q8IeaKyUrlq7wkSyfQaH-CUHtM6V8ZnBJU4FKrS4xH9UUm7jtxSbplyR399Ln9yWapMNKAWWgswUJLbMOEGt~rsXC4d26J756sRUrm~dfrtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Department staff reviewed the Recreation and Parks department’s capital project portfolio, grant monitoring responsibilities and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition work during the meeting.

Christy Bishop told the advisory board that the capital projects office manages multiple grants and permitting requirements for projects such as the 3‑Notch Trail. She said capital staff tracks grant reporting dating to 2017 and authorizes monthly reports for the different awards linked to the same project.

Roy Kovsey, identified as the parks division manager, provided an overview of waterfront and other park projects. Kovsey said Snow Hill (the newest waterfront park) opened a playground last year and that the department is pursuing a boat launch and kayak launch and associated permitting. He listed other active projects including upgrades at Umbs Beach (parking and reconfiguration), Shannon Farm boardwalk, renovations at Nicolette Skate Park (completed for an old section) and anticipated work at Chaptico Skate Park, Myrtle Point visitor amenities and kayak launches, and St. Inigo's Landing pier extension and dredging (in design and permitting).

Staff said St. Clement's Island Museum demolition is scheduled to begin in July as part of ongoing museum projects. The presentation also listed smaller projects—playgrounds, ADA modifications, LED light retrofits, court improvements and facility renovations at sites such as Margaret Brent and Leonard Hall.

Bishop described her role as the department’s grants and land‑acquisition manager, noting she maintains deeds, leases and easements for acquisitions and sits on several regional and state committees related to trails, infrastructure and the naval base land‑use planning processes. She also said she serves as the department ADA coordinator, maintains the ADA transition plan and oversees audits and ADA‑related CIP line items.

On budgeting, staff said many capital items use 100% grant funding (for example, park land acquisition and certain public landings), and encouraged public attendance at budget input meetings to support the Recreation and Parks capital request.","Department staff summarized capital projects in design or construction, grant management responsibilities and ADA transition work across St. Mary's County parks, including Snow Hill boat launch, Myrtle Point improvements and St. Clement's Island Museum demolition planned for July.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090174,"Residents urge stronger maintenance for county trail network; staff outline short‑ and longer‑term actions",492,613000,1105000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e&start=613&end=1105","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e/thumbnail_613000.jpg","/articles/6090174/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Residents-urge-stronger-maintenance-for-county-trail-network-staff-outline-short-and-longerterm-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090174-2a63bcacc2bcea219cfd6ed349ba0f5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442721&Signature=H~-VFfKc2yICdxER7AbgA0nu0aa~G8qH4fCqSDOU1iBPazCzi3FYy6NTT--orZJQjqFLDHH~QpX1m-A21IPzK0VNn-QwLahO7fh9BknFXJ56t9TtsmnbpXZhRudwSepypz4w8lAq0mrhiKrDS3bRW~nWm2A3Tan3bsWNFxOS32bhDzv--VtuVrOWzA2FjFf~jQqy1Y5casfpZo4HQt3h9InQGSDlHE~MgHFH1CxH8IZIsXaWJirgjGneV42OFgAT1ws3W6N1O512ymrZ-CTadDQKS7NXw7WfgJ2UUsiOkYPtvSki7ZfsCVQgG1L8IQcgjzIbyHrVPy1tSGhtu6~znw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Mechanicsville residents urged St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks to strengthen maintenance practices on the county trail network, citing recurring pavement cracking, roots pushing through asphalt and overhanging vegetation that can hide hazards.

Diana Donahue, who said she has ridden the trail for decades, told the board that much of the trail shows tree roots pushing through asphalt and that thin surface overlays fail after months because underlying root problems are not addressed. Her husband, Dan Donahue, asked the department to consider alternatives such as removing trees that repeatedly disrupt the path or using trenching and root removal before paving.

Christy Bishop, a staff member with Recreation and Parks, acknowledged the maintenance concerns and told the board the department budgets “about $100,000 in the budget annually for asphalt overlay for the trail,” which she said is insufficient to repave entire long segments at once. Bishop said Parks is aware of root problems and has been troubleshooting possible solutions that try to preserve surrounding greenery while improving long‑term surface stability.

Park maintenance staff told the board they already run fall leaf‑blowing operations (approximately weekly in peak leaf season) and have tried trenching and root cutting in the past with mixed results. One staff speaker said they will pilot a new process this year that cuts out sections, removes roots and then overlays the pavement; staff reported they have budget estimates to fix specific segments from Row 5 to Baggett Park this year and additional estimates for sections near the Norwin Senior Center.

Residents and board members raised safety concerns about leaves that obscure hazards in autumn, the need for more frequent vegetation trimming, and the need for a long‑term, cost‑effective approach rather than repeated short overlays on the same segments. Staff said they will continue exploring off‑site stormwater credits and root‑removal techniques and that some solutions tried previously—such as trenching along both sides of a segment—had limited success a decade ago.

A volunteer offer from a resident to help with trail events (for example, National Trails Day) was noted by staff, and staff encouraged continued public input through the Phase 7 comment process and regular department contact channels.","Mechanicsville residents told the Recreation and Parks board that repeated shallow repaving and encroaching tree roots make portions of the county trail hazardous; staff said weekly leaf removal occurs in fall, the department budgets about $100,000 a year for asphalt overlays, and new root‑removal methods are being estimated.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090179,"St. Mary's County advances Phase 7 of 3-Notch Trail, opens public comment through April 11",436,117000,553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e&start=117&end=553","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2868081-f7c5cbc251bbe3e3a1984cbda14e671e/thumbnail_117000.jpg","/articles/6090179/St-Marys-County/Maryland/St-Marys-County-advances-Phase-7-of-3-Notch-Trail-opens-public-comment-through-April-11","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090179-b8afa12d4bd9904e64fb465456dbcca2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442721&Signature=elNb3yuEoew2TqvTPktYw9R1Jl-v4eXnC3Hr0EbBclbtXHV8wzfn1m5ZcU~uxxk5GDMlFqMCZyBLYo0kE13opwcjjWlk-GXRfkbYTe9SjmjiCklVGTFTa6TWvI0ab5~3V4nwL-0MsAlOJhrhRqwaG7CXUQbbyz0N~1ERZ98hzJZPL4ansqUXamBYpy69638uUbxjmoG~-TxkTQhQU45xzZuVHRqgqFkfv1oHOrC-T8tXz2DW05XIT3zZYuHJ8CMlNyIXhTgwxyw2RCa6Fcm~2560ml0L2Utqm97e5jLZMExP7nf7DKYpyIvdozYmgmDm0P2Fn5CB1l4wW-zCo~qFCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks staff provided an update on Phase 7 of the long-running 3‑Notch Trail project and reopened a formal public comment period that will remain open through April 11, staff said.

The presentation said Phase 7 will run from the new trailhead property in Hollywood to the Harris Teeter shopping center and ultimately link to existing trail segments and the Charles County connector. County staff said the trail is planned as a 10‑foot‑wide asphalt multi‑use (shared‑use) path built largely in the county railroad right‑of‑way and intended to serve recreation, tourism and transportation needs.

Christy Bishop, a staff member with St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks, told the board the project is part of multiple local and state plans and funding requests. She said the trail is included in the Maryland State Transportation Plan, the county’s Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP), and the county comprehensive and transportation plans. Bishop said Phase 7’s current design and permitting work is focused on stormwater solutions and finalizing a short right‑of‑way segment that crosses Wildwood Shopping Center property.

Bishop said the project currently has a funding mix that covers roughly 60% of costs: $3.5 million from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), about $1.2 million from the Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program (state), approximately $110,000 from Program Open Space, and county match funds. She described the Phase 7 segment as roughly 3.3 miles and said the total projected cost for that section is just over $9 million.

Bishop said staff hopes to add FY26 CIP funding so the project can be advertised for construction bids after July 1, when FY26 funds would become available, and that the Wildwood property agreement is expected to be resolved by the end of the month. She encouraged public comments during the open comment period and said comments received after April 11 would still be accepted but would not be submitted to the state grant reviewers.

Board Chair Veronica Johnson opened the floor to public comment after the presentation; residents who spoke during the meeting mainly focused on trail maintenance and operations rather than the Phase 7 design specifics.

A timeline presented by staff ties Phase 7 design, permitting and right‑of‑way work to the county’s CIP schedule and to multiple grant reporting requirements; staff emphasized that several grants tied to the same project require distinct monitoring and reporting.

If the county secures the additional CIP allocation and the remaining right‑of‑way agreement, staff said they plan to go to bid and begin construction work following the FY26 funding availability.","County staff updated the citizen advisory board on design, funding and schedule for Phase 7 of the 3‑Notch Trail and said the formal public comment period runs through April 11; construction could begin after FY26 CIP funds become available July 1 and pending right‑of‑way agreements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board discusses field reservation conflicts, irrigation and volunteer roles; department pursuing system and policy updates

County details waterfront park hours, passes and weekend revenue; weekend cash only now, electronic payments planned

Recreation and Parks lists capital projects, permits and ADA work for upcoming year

Residents urge stronger maintenance for county trail network; staff outline short‑ and longer‑term actions

St. Mary's County advances Phase 7 of 3-Notch Trail, opens public comment through April 11