Acting to preserve and protect Maryland's natural resources for future generations, Governor Parris N. Glendening has announced that he will invest $9 million to complete improvement projects in every major State park across Maryland. Joined by United States Department of the Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt and federal, state and local leaders at Gunpowder Falls State Park, the Governor declared that his Maryland State Parks Improvement Program is the State's first major commitment to renovate parks in over three decades.

"Our precious state parks provide beautiful settings for Maryland families, visitors and communities to meet and enjoy the outdoors," said Governor Glendening. "This historic $9 million investment to renovate Maryland's state parks will improve recreational facilities for our families, preserve our open spaces, and encourage our children to develop a deep appreciation for our natural resources and become our environmental stewards in the future."

The Governor's program will invest $3 million per year for the next three years (FY 2000, 2001 and 2002) on over 400 projects for repairs and improvements at every major State park. The projects include replacing 30 playgrounds, enhancing nearly 1,000 trails and repairing 300 miles of roadways and parking lots. The investments will also greatly improve park access for people with disabilities. Finally, the renovations include buildings and structural improvements, signage enhancements, telecommunication upgrades, and installation of picnic tables, grills and fire rings.

"I think Governor Glendening's idea is terrific and I support it 100 percent," said Secretary Babbitt. "Maryland is doing a great job of protecting open space and President Clinton's Lands Legacy Initiative is an excellent way to help states preserve open space. If Congress approves Lands Legacy, Maryland will have even more resources for its state parks and open spaces."

During his announcement, the Governor cited a Sierra Club report released Monday morning which named Maryland as the best state in the nation for protecting open space and curtailing suburban sprawl. The Governor noted that improving state parks was a critical component of his longtime policy to protect Maryland's "green infrastructure" and preserve the State's remaining undeveloped land for future generations.

"As more and more Marylanders discover the beauty of our parks and forests and the many activities they have to offer, the Department of Natural Resources has re-invented the way we operate to help meet the growing needs of our customers," said DNR Secretary Sarah Taylor-Rogers.

The Governor's ambitious project follows his October 1998 proclamation that 2000 will be the Year of Maryland State Parks. Besides committing the $9 million for renovations, the Governor also appointed a Special Commission on State Parks to assess the benefits of State parks and develop specific recommendations to enhance the State's system of parks and forests.

At the announcement, Governor Glendening, Secretary Babbitt, Secretary Taylor-Rogers and elected officials ceremoniously pulled down a deteriorated slide, which will be replaced with State Park Improvement Program funds. The Governor noted that many of the funds from his program will replace similar aging and unattractive facilities.

"With more visitors taking advantage of Maryland's diverse natural resources each year, our aging state parks are showing the signs of this increase in activity," said State Forest and Park Service Lt. Colonel (SFPS) Ranger Rusty Ruszin. "In addition to Governor Glendening's commitment to parks and his dedication to the protection of natural resources and open spaces, these funds make it possible to complete major projects that our customers will enjoy throughout State Parks 2000, and for many more years to come."

Maryland's 47 State parks and six State forests welcome more than 10 million visitors each year. The SFPS manages more than 260,000 acres and 1,600 buildings and structures in all counties in Maryland.