Recreation and Parks Capital Projects

On July 9, 2024, The County Executive and the Department of Recreation and Parks (DRP) hosted a waterside chat to discuss water access opportunities at Homeport Farm Park - a 25.15-acre park featuring a cartop water vessel launch and parking areas. The County Executive and the Director of DRP spoke for around 20 minutes. After the County spoke, the public could present comments for two minutes, and approximately 25-30 people spoke. A summary of all comments, including those received during the July 9th discussion, will be posted.

The County's position for Homeport Farm Park are:

• Water and access to the water are fundamental characteristics of life in Anne Arundel County. 

• The County will respect and adhere to the terms of the deed regarding land use.

• Any amenities added to the property would be for the public benefit and use. (There is NO BOATHOUSE) 

• The Department was asked to explore the possibility of allowing a junior rowing club with racks and a floating dock at Camp Woodlands to move its equipment to Homeport Farm Park to retain access to the South River.

• The Annapolis Junior Rowers are being viewed under the same lens as any other youth recreational league in the County. 

• NO engineering or technical plans for improvements are underway related to this anticipated use. 

• The Department continues to look for ways to expand residents' opportunities to enjoy the water. The County is exploring expanded use, not eliminating or supplanting use.

The Department of Recreation and Parks requested feedback from the public on water access opportunities at Homeport Farm Park, specifically those permissible by the deed. The deadline for comments was Tuesday, August 13. The Department thanks everyone who provided comments on this matter. The Department is reviewing all the feedback received. After the review, DRP will post all Homeport Farm Park comments on this site as well as any next steps.

July 9 - August 13 Public Comments

Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks is seeking public comment on the draft Master Plan for the new South Shore Park in Crownsville. 

The County is planning a new community recreational facility located on 22.31 acres of County-owned land along Generals Highway in Crownsville at the intersection of Generals Highway (MD 178), Old Generals Highway, and the ramp to Interstate 97. The planned Phase IV of the South Shore Trail bisects the park property.

The Department of Recreation and Parks envisions South Shore Park as having new community athletic facilities including a full-size, natural turf, multipurpose sports field, a field house with a full-size synthetic turf, multipurpose sports field with restrooms, concession vending, offices and other required spaces, an outdoor basketball court, a plaza with shaded seating, water fountain, and bike racks to serve as a rest stop for the South Shore Trail, as well as parking, stormwater management, and landscaping. 

Consultants working with the Department of Public Works have analyzed the planned site and developed a draft Master Plan which can be viewed at this link. Following review of the conceptual design, the project will enter the final design phases which will develop the detailed design for the park including forest conservation, stormwater management and traffic engineering. When the design has progressed to 30% Schematic Design, the Departments of Recreation and Parks and Public Works will hold a Public Meeting for residents to provide further input into the park’s final design.

Please share your thoughts about the draft Master Plan at the following email address, south-shore-park-planning@aacounty.org.