Playgrounds Mark First Milestone in Sykesville, Howard County Park Project

A ribbon-cutting on Saturday in Sykesville marked the opening of a new park and the forging of a partnership between Howard County and the town in Carroll County.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the first phase of South Branch Park, which is across the Patapsco River from downtown Sykesville.

“South Branch Park exemplifies two jurisdictions working together to accomplish a common goal—to provide our youth with a safe and accessible recreational area where they can come play and enjoy the great outdoors,” County Executive Ken Ulman said.

Two age-specific playgrounds were installed in the first phase of the project. They will serve children ages 2 to 5 years as well as those between 2 and 12 years old, according to a statement from Howard County. The playgrounds are on a rubberized surface, with retaining walls surrounding them. A picnic pavilion was also built, in addition to a path leading to the parking lot, which is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Phase I also involved the removal of a historic water tower that sat on the property.

“Sykesville is very excited to see this gateway for Sykesville, Carroll County and Howard County come back to life,” Sykesville Mayor Ian Shaw said. “It is a great asset for the town and both counties. We are grateful to Howard County for the shared vision for the park’s renewal and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

The project will continue with two additional phases:

• Phase II—scheduled to begin in spring 2015—will include building a new skate park, adding signs and more parking, stabilizing the historic Apple Butter Factory and creating new stormwater management features. The current skate park will remain open until construction begins on the new one.
• Phase III—still in conceptual development (so construction date has not yet been determined)—may include new uses for the Apple Butter Factory, such as conversion into a multipurpose facility for large community events like a farmers market or community movie night.

Howard County is in charge of construction, and it has leased the land to Sykesville, according to a statement from Howard County government, which said the town of Sykesville will be in charge of maintaining the park.

To build the playground, Sykesville secured a Community Parks and Playgrounds Program grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for $269,000, the statement said. Howard County allocated has $760,000 for stormwater management fees, the parking lot and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, according to the statement.

South Branch Park is located at 350 West Friendship Road.

Photo Credit: Howard County Department of Parks and Recreation. The first phase of South Branch Park opened on Sept. 6.