| The Sudbrook Stream Valley Park/Playground project is
moving along, although at a very slow pace. Due to the location of the
park being within a flood plain and containing designated wetland areas, the
site has come under much scrutiny from State and County agencies (Department
of Environment and Resource Management and Department of Public Works) as
the Department of Recreation and Parks proceeds with the plans. You
might have noticed the poles in the park with signs which follow the stream
beds. These are the boundaries of the wetland buffer area and the
County is not allowed to mow beyond them because they fall within the
Federal law regarding developments in wetlands. Doing so could
negatively impact the environment and the habitats that occupy those areas.
These buffers have made the park a bit smaller at points but there is
still ample space for play. The County plan still includes a path
which will meander through the open space, up to the playground, around the
back of the playground and down to a new footbridge which will lead to the
former baseball field. Along the path will be benches, chess tables
and an adult chair swing for everyone's enjoyment.
BUT WHEN??? The project recently went out to a bid-process which
takes four months. Optimistically, if all goes smoothly, construction
will begin in mid to late fall and be completed in early 2005.
Realistically, it will be in full use by this time next year. If it
comes out as planned, it will have been well worth waiting for.
AND WHAT ABOUT OUR BRICKS??? The engraved bricks which we
ordered are in a County warehouse and will hopefully be installed in the
next two months. The severe weather this winter placed a great strain
on the County maintenance crew, but our job is on their list for this
summer.
WHAT ARE THOSE METAL BASKETS? Ask neighbor Andy Schaffer to
explain to your the rules of disc golf. One of the few parks in the
County with such an amenity, Sudbrook Stream Valley Park has a 9-basket
course for novices and experts alike (see article about the game below).
Last, but not least, once completed the park will be maintained
minimally by the County. In some measure, the maintenance (beyond
mowing, etc.) will be up to us./ We do have funds for upkeep from the
sale of the bricks and are investigating various models for community
assisted maintenance programs.
Thank you for your continued patience with this project. When
the park is complete, we will certainly have a place of which we can all be
proud.
Elissa Hozore-Locke |
