Cobb Island's Fisherman's Field to be county park with grant

Friday, Aug. 14, 2009

The land is regularly used by island residents for special events, including Cobb Island Days in June, said Charles County commissioners' President F. Wayne Cooper (D). The county has wanted to preserve the land as a park for several years, he said.

"I'm extremely pleased that the county is getting the money," he said. "There's hardly any open space left on Cobb Island."

Commissioner Samuel N. Graves Jr. said the land, commonly referred to as Fisherman's Field, is the last large parcel on the island that can be preserved.

Once the POS money is received, the county will go to settlement with the owner, he said.

"It's a great acquisition for the citizens of Cobb Island and Cobb Neck," he said. "That field has been used for events for years and years. I'm glad that we'll be able to preserve it for future events."

Charles County will also be awarded $13,400 to purchase 1.9 acres in Pomfret that will allow the county to connect Bensville Park on Route 229 to the Indian Head Rail Trail, Cooper said.

"We got a bargain with that piece of land," he said, adding the rail trail that runs from the town of Indian Head to White Plains should be finished by September.

The board of public works announced the approval of land acquisition and recreational projects in seven counties last week.

The board, comprised of Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), state treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter V. Franchot (D), has preserved nearly 24,000 acres of natural areas in Maryland since 2007, according to the DNR release. Since 1969, the state's Program Open Space has provided funding for the purchase of nearly 345,000 acres.

nmcconaty@somdnews.com