From Whom All Blessings Flow

We received some good news this week about a groundbreaking on the C&O Canal.   Big Slackwater (don’t you love those colorful names?) lock and dam, closed for several years due to serious erosion from the Potomac, will be restored – thanks mostly to a federal stimulus grant, funding from the state, and hard work from the local representatives and visitors bureau who made getting this segment repaired a priority project.

As has been noted before, the C&O Canal is more than a historic landmark, it is a popular tourist attraction – particularly in the sports and recreation community.  Hundreds of thousand of visitors trek various segments every year.

Unfortunately, there is a bend in the Potomac in Washington County where periodic flooding took out the path. The detour to the next lock a mile upstream was particularly treacherous, but the environmental challenges for restoring the path had a hefty price tag of $17 million. Not something the Friends, County or even State could finance by themselves.

Enter the Feds to do the heavy lifting. With the largest portion of the project funded by Economic Recovery dollars, the ambitious reconstruction will be underway soon and this dramatic scenic byway will again be accessible to trail travelers.

It is partnerships involving multiple entities that make many of our quality of life and competitive facilities possible.   In Maryland, Project Open Space $$$$ are frequently leveraged with Transportation Enhancement Funds (that’s another federal piggy bank) to develop trails, since they are both linear parks and an alternative transportation option.

There was more good news on that front last week, when Governor O’Malley announced the final $4 million necessary to extend the Jones Falls Trail from the Cylburn Arboretum to Mt. Washington had been secured.   It is likely to be at least 18 months before the walking and bicycle route is underway, but community support and financial commitments were two big hurdles to be addressed and both were met.

The trail currently extends 4.25 miles from Penn Station to the Woodbury light rail at Clipper Mill, where it passes a number of historic mills, the Round Falls overlook and Baltimore Street Car Museum. Another segment winds through Druid Hill Park by the Maryland Zoo and around the reservoir, where it is a popular access for the many sports activities that occur there.

When complete, the Jones Falls Trail will extend 12 miles, from the Inner Harbor to Lake Roland at the Robert E. Lee Park.

Which brings another piece of good news, and more largess.

Robert E. Lee Park, a 453 acre gem surrounding Lake Roland, was a favorite of the four-footed set for years. Before falling into disrepair which necessitated its closing, Lee was considered the largest and most popular dog recreational facility in the area.

Lee Park has the curious distinction of being City property (and site of the first municipal water source) but being physically located in the County. It was actually a local community association that suggested the County take over management and restoration of the park.

After working out a lease agreement with the City, Baltimore County needed $6 million to make repairs and improvements to the neglected facility. These include reconstructing the pedestrian bridge, (once a railroad trestle,) restoring existing trails, adding parking, and developing up a secure dog park. (Fido activities will be confined to a specific, fenced area in the future.)

Baltimore County ponied up half the funds; the State of Maryland came through with the other half via the bond bill route. Work has already begun on the pedestrian bridge and addressing some environmental challenges due to erosion.

So when travelers on the Jones Falls Trail reach the Lake Roland terminus, Robert E. Lee Park offers a natural extension and more activities to enjoy.

Let’s give thanks to those On High who help leverage community resources and bring good ideas to fruition for everyone’s benefit.  We couldn't do it without them.