Hampstead and Sykesville change use of state funds for their town parks

The towns of Hampstead and Sykesville have changed the use of their annual allotment of state funds designated for improvements to municipal parks.

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners Thursday unanimously approved improvement changes to Melvin Miller Memorial Park in Hampstead, and funding changes to Millard Cooper Park in Sykesville, totaling $172,871.75.

The funding is coming from the state’s Program Open Space for the current fiscal year. The program provides financial and technical assistance to local jurisdictions for the planning, acquisition and/or development of recreation land or open space areas.

In June, commissioners approved Program Open Space funds for improvements to both Melvin Miller Memorial Park and Millard Cooper Park, Bob Hicks, director of the county’s Department of Recreation and Parks said.

But both Hampstead and Sykesville have requested changes.

Hampstead wanted to again resurface two pickleball/tennis courts, one basketball court and replace a portion of the walkway along the courts at Melvin Miller Memorial Park, for a total of $54,537.25.

But when the project was submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for approval, the agency determined that Program Open Space funds were previously used for improvements to these same pickleball, tennis and basketball courts in 2009, Hicks said.

State law specifics that projects using their funds must be used for park projects that have a lifespan of 20 years or more.

As a result, the town requested that the money go toward just resurfacing the tennis court, along with the construction of a new pavilion, and concrete pads for future picnic tables.

Funding future upgrades to Millard Cooper Park in Sykesville also changed.

For fiscal 2025, which began July 1, the town received $54,537.25 for new lighting and pavilion upgrades to the park. The town requested the use of open space funds left from fiscal 2023, which was intended for projects not yet completed.

The funding from fiscal 2023 included $90,000 for improvements to the park’s Cooper Park Pedestrian Bridge, and $28,334.40 for the Sykesville Linear Trail. Combined with the $54,537.25 for fiscal 2025, the town is now approved for a total of $172,871.75 for future improvements.

Melvin Miller Memorial Park is located at 1551 N. Main St., in Hampstead. The park grounds include tennis courts, pickleball, and an all-purpose blacktop court.

Millard Cooper Park is located at 7282 Cooper Drive in Sykesville. The park features grills, parking, a pavilion, picnic areas, playground, restrooms, tables and a splash pad.