The La Plata Town Council unanimously voted to allow the town manager to enter into a contract for the construction of a new recreational trail and amphitheater at Wills Memorial Park.
The council allocated $325,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funding toward the development of Wills Memorial Park in accordance with the town’s Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan of 2010, according to a March 20 memo to the town council.
An additional $29,145 of ARPA funding that was budgeted for Maryland Market Money — a food access program that helps farmers’ markets — was reallocated toward the project, raising the total budget to $354,145, the memo said.
The contract was awarded to S.E. Davis Construction LLC, a local woman-owned general contracting firm that specializes in commercial and municipal construction projects.
“The new Wills Memorial Park Trail and Amphitheater project is not just about infrastructure — it symbolizes a blend of the arts, health, wellness and social engagement,” La Plata’s Mayor Jeannine James said in a statement to Southern Maryland News.
Wills Memorial Park sits on 14 acres on St. Mary’s Avenue and currently has tennis, basketball and volleyball courts along with a playground and meeting space.
The town’s parks and recreation plan says Wills Memorial Park was “the” town park when La Plata was a small town. With the town’s geographic expansion, it is an important neighborhood park but is not well located to serve a community-wide role.
The master plan envisioned Wills Memorial Park to remain a neighborhood park but with some community-wide functions.
At the time the plan was constructed, it took into consideration the future growth of Charles County and La Plata and realized the need to make it into something that could sustain an anticipated 10,000 new residents.
In the last 10 years, La Plata’s population has grown by approximately 2,000 people — over a 20% increase, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“This amphitheater will be a hub of creativity and community connection, offering our residents and visitors a one-of-a-kind art experience set against the backdrop of nature’s beauty and serene sounds,” James said. “This unique project is a testament to La Plata’s vibrant spirit and vision for a brighter, more enriching future.”
Town gets ‘Tree’ honors
La Plata was recently named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. The town achieved the recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements — maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
The community also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and an outstanding level of tree care.
La Plata has now held the Tree City distinction for three years and has received the Growth Award twice.
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