Program Open Space was created in 1969 and was funded through of a transfer tax of 0.5 percent on every real estate transaction in the state. This new special tax was designed to directly tie development to available funding for open space and recreational facilities for the public good. Now because of the State budget deficit the POS funds are being threatened with total removal for the next four years!
Program Open Space supports parks, forests, and wildlife management areas and is an important contributor to the State’s conservation commitments and goals. It also supports community playgrounds, ball fields, tennis courts, hiking trails, historic sites, Chesapeake Bay water access and multiple other community benefits. These programs are important for citizens’ well-being and also have substantial economic benefits. Quality of life is a very important factor in home and business investment in a community.
I am impressed with the value of open spaces when I visit the Oxford Conservation Park and see the Park enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. I see toddlers running around, senior citizens—some proceeding slowly with the help of a cane, dog owners with their enthusiastic pets and many others enjoying the outdoors. I am particularly mindful of the many citizens who safely walked in the Park during the worst days of the pandemic for exercise, tranquility, and inspiration. The Park has also become a highly valued locale for viewing wildlife, with, for example, a large number of bird species identified, including recent sightings of quail.
Program Open Space provides very important benefits to residents of the Eastern Shore. I encourage you to contact our Talbot County representatives and ask that they continue funding for Program Open Space.
Sarah Ramsey
Oxford
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As I walked through the conservation park this morning, I thought of your wise comments, Sarah. Too often we take for granted these islands of tranquility in our nature parks, and opportunities for fun and comradery in our sports recreation places, We need to speak up to make sure that these areas remain open, available, and are maintained.