GROUND BROKEN FOR NEW CIVIC CENTER PARKING LOT

Over 30 local and state officials, business owners and stakeholders came together at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (WY&CC) this morning for a groundbreaking ceremony.  The ceremony marked the commencement of a Parking Lot Expansion Project.  This project will develop the 5-acre tract of land purchased by Wicomico County in 2010 using funding made available through Program Open Space.

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. along with Recreation, Parks, Tourism and the WY&CC Director Gary Mackes, stressed the important role that Maryland State Officials and the Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Spaced played in bringing this project to fruition.  Mackes shared project details…explaining that, under the guidance of project engineer Parker & Associates; the contracting firm AP Croll & Son of Georgetown, DE will oversee the development of the land which includes both paving and lighting as well as the introduction of clearly marked parking spaces.

Representing the State, Delegate Norm Conway described today as another “Delmarvalous Day” here in Wicomico County.  He stressed the important role multitudes of people have played in both the success of this project and so many projects brought to fruition in Wicomico County with funding provided by Program Open Space.   Program Open Space, in existence for over 40 years, is funded through a transfer tax assessed to every property sale.  Wicomico County alone has benefited enormously through the program, as it has received and spent over $11,000,000 to buy land and develop its park system.   

WY&CC Commission President Ed Urban, as the last speaker of the morning, emphasized the growth potential the parking lot project brings to the WY&CC.  With over 400 events a year and over 250,000 patrons entering the building, attendance is limited due to parking constraints.  The parking lot expansion project, as just another example of how the venue continues to grow, will increase parking capacity by 33% allowing for a total of 1,500 spaces.

Bringing the ceremony to a close, Delegate Conway, Executive Pollitt, County Council President Gail Bartkovich, Councilwomen Stevie Prettyman, Sheree Sample-Hughes and WY&CC Commission President Ed Urban came together to ceremoniously turn the dirt for the Parking Lot Improvement Project.