County seeking input on new recreation center

CENTREVILLE — The Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking community input for a public engagement phase feasibility study as it draws nearer to a recreation center, the Queen Anne’s County Parks Department reported to Commissioners March 26.

The County’s contractor, Berry Dunn, is currently assessing needs for the building phase and now wants to hear from the community about what will be viable, according to James Miller, recreation manager.

The community can expect to begin learning about the feasibility study soon, as the months-long public engagement phase of the study officially begins April 22 as Berry Dunn will be meeting on the needs and design of a future recreation center.

“It’s going to be a big push to get as much community input and outreach as possible,” Miller said.

In addition to focus groups and public meetings, participants will be provided with access to an online portal to join in a community-wide conversation, he said.

Following the study, market and demographic research will be conducted of the area before performing site research, Miller said.

Strong communication and collaboration between the departments has been essential through every step of the study, he said.

“This is the beginning of something amazing,” Commissioner Phil Dumenil said.

The feasibility study final report is expected in December.

In other business, members of the Queen Anne’s County FFA presented updates regarding their trip to the 96th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis Oct. 31 through Nov. 4.

Queen Anne’s County FFA Chapter President Elyssa Crossley recounted the experiences presented through the conference that opened students’ eyes to the evolving world of agriculture.

Students attended advancement workshops and career assessment tours including visiting a dairy farm, a Christmas tree farm, a construction warehouse and noted the number of different agricultural careers highlighted throughout it all.

Students not only meet professionals in their field, but colleagues and peers from all over the country, with the annual FFA convention welcoming multiple chapters from every state and territory, she said.

FFA members attended the conference thanks to donation support from the county commissioners, and the members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity of a lifetime.

The field trip came highly recommended to fellow and future FFA members.