CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 3, 2006
CITY OF FREDERICK’S CARROLL CREEK PARK AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS PRIORITY PLACES AWARD
Frederick, Md. --- Downtown Frederick's Carroll Creek Park project has been awarded Maryland's highest honors last week in Annapolis. On Thursday, February 23rd, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. announced that Carroll Creek Park Project is a 2006 recipient of the Maryland Priority Places Award. Carroll Creek Park joins five other projects that have been selected over the last few years in a competitive application process. The Priority Places Award focuses financial, technical, and regulatory assistance from 10 state agencies to assist Frederick with the project.
On hand to receive the award were Mayor William J. Holtzinger, Alderwoman Marcia Hall, and key staff members, as well as representatives of Main Street Development, KHovnanian Homes, and the HNTB/RKK park design team. "This award is a testament to the hard work and effort put forth by several city administrations and staff,” stated Mayor Holtzinger. He added, "We are honored and pleased to have been awarded such a designation by the State of Maryland and look forward to their assistance as we move forward." A handsome framed State Resolution is on display at City Hall.
Carroll Creek Park is a world-class urban park and economic catalyst spanning 1.3 miles across Downtown Frederick. The mixed-use park is planned to have water features, unique bridges, boating, performing arts amphitheatre, landscaping, public art, handicap accessible crosswalks and paths and much more. Flanking the park is more than $150 million in private development and historic renovations totaling more than 405,000 square feet of office space, 150,000 square feet of commercial (retail) space, 395 residential units, and 2,220 parking spaces. "We expect more than 1,500 jobs to be created in the buildings along the park and more than $2.5 million in City and County property taxes to be generated annually," stated Richard Griffin, director of economic development for the City of Frederick. Griffin added "We are delighted to have assistance of all kinds from the State of Maryland as part of this award to help bring the park to fruition."
It is expected that the each of the participating state agencies will appoint a project point person to participate with the City as it completes the park design and coordinates with developers and preservationists on infill construction and renovation flanking the park.
After 30 years and five City Administrations, Carroll Creek Park is being added to the more than 65 City parks on 400-plus acres, which provides for all types of recreational activities. "Carroll Creek Park will become one of the park systems crown jewels,” stated Roelkey Myers, director of the department of parks and recreation. He added that one of the more important components of the Carroll Creek Park is the participation in the City's Shared Use Trail System Plan.
To learn more about the Carroll Creek Park Priority Places Award log onto www.priorityplaces.com or contact the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development at 240-629-6360.