Talbot County has acquired approximately 1.6 acres of waterfront property adjacent to Bellevue Community Park and the Bellevue Public Landing in Royal Oak, expanding the County’s public recreational property and preserving additional waterfront access for future generations.
The property, located at 25826 Orchard Terrace, sits immediately adjacent to the existing park and public landing. The County negotiated a purchase price of $535,000 for the property. The acquisition increases the space from approximately 6.746 to 8.35 acres.
“Bellevue Community Park is an important resource for the Bay Hundred community, and this acquisition comes at an exciting time for the park,” said Talbot County Council Member Dave Stepp, liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “With the Bellevue Passage Museum moving forward and now the addition of this property, we have an opportunity to build on what is already here while protecting public access and creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy Bellevue.”
The acquisition will allow the County to expand the footprint of Bellevue Community Park while helping preserve the character of the existing park, public landing and ferry access. The additional property also creates opportunities for future passive recreational amenities, which could include expanded shoreline access and a fishing or crabbing pier.
“Property adjacent to an existing public park is a limited resource, and opportunities like this don’t come along often,” said County Manager Clay Stamp. “This was an opportunity for the County to make a strategic investment that protects public access and gives us flexibility as we plan for the future of Bellevue Community Park.”
“Adding this property gives us more room to think about what Bellevue Community Park can offer in the future,” said Emily Gilmer, Talbot County Parks and Recreation Director. “It could mean more opportunities to fish, crab, enjoy the shoreline or simply spend time outdoors, while building on what people already enjoy about the park today.”
The property is initially being purchased using the County’s General Fund, with the possibility of seeking Program Open Space reimbursement in the future.
The acquisition builds upon Talbot County’s ongoing efforts to preserve public waterfront access and enhance recreational opportunities for residents.
