Maryland Officially Announces Conversion of 293-Acre ‘Holly Beach Farm’ into a Park
Online Advance Reservation System to Begin November 6… Daily Visitors Limited
$3 Million Invested to Restore Pier and Shoreline Erosion… Boat Dock Also Expanded
A large-scale coastal waterfront park offering panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge near Annapolis, Maryland, is set to open.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on the 21st that it has designated the 293-acre 'Holly Beach Farm' property, located within 10 miles of downtown Annapolis, as a 'Natural Resources Management Area' and will begin accepting online advance reservations for general visitors starting November 6.
With this, Holly Beach Farm becomes the sixth and final public land opened and designated by Maryland this year, following Savage Highlands State Park in Garrett County and Freedmans State Park in Montgomery County.
Adjacent to Sandy Point State Park, the site features forested hiking trails, sandy beaches, farmland, and a 9-acre freshwater lake. In particular, it boasts an exceptional view combining vehicles traveling across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and yachts and boats passing beneath it.
To conserve the environment and minimize inconvenience to nearby residents, the state government plans to limit the number of daily visitors to around 20 for the time being and operate on a reservation system. Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
In addition, the state government will invest approximately $3 million to launch extensive environmental improvement and amenity renovation projects. The existing fishing pier will be extended to 450 feet and dredged to ensure sufficient water depth for tourist ferries and cruise boats to dock. Shoreline restoration projects to repair damage caused by strong winds and waves in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the installation of hunting blinds, will also be pursued.
Remodeling of historic buildings located within the park is also underway. Built along the Chesapeake coast in 1907 and once used as the largest equestrian training facility in the United States, the historic home had been neglected and severely damaged since 2001, but the state government is currently restoring it with a $150,000 investment. In the future, it will be used as a meeting and event space for residents and local organizations.
Paul Peditto, Assistant Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, said, "We will gradually expand access to provide residents with the finest waterfront recreational space while preserving the natural ecology as much as possible."