Erich Bender, a member of the Westminster Astronomical Society, the prime mover and shaker of the initiative, (and owner of the Taney Auto Service Center) said that this location will be the Societies premier observatory, featuring a 25-inch reflector telescope.

Bender said that other large telescopes may eventually be added that for viewing deep space objects and capturing meteor showers, conjunctions, and other celestial events. WASI will host public gatherings during these major events as well as monthly Star Parties and programs with local schools. The observatory will also be available for private use by reservation for research purposes.

According toe Bender, the Observatory will have a large view screens to project the images from the telescopes for others to see. The roof will roll off 80% to expose the night sky. Without a dome in place, light pollution would be a concern.

As part of the effort, the City is working to become compliant with the International Dark-Sky Association’s to be certified as being Dark-Sky Friendly. Taneytown is about 80% of the way to meeting these requirements by minimizing skyglow and glare that creates light pollution over the city, according to Bender. Members of the Astronomical Society hope to educate the community about the negative impact of light pollution and share the wonders that hide above the skyglow of the city.

As Bender says, "How can our kids reach for the stars if they cannot see them?"

The park is still in the developmental stage. The site plans will also be reviewed and approved by the Taneytown Planning Commission, with opportunity for the public to give their input on the various features of the park.

Phase one features of the park include a walking trail with educational signage that will meander through the woods and along Piney Creek, a two-acre pollinator garden, and a meditation garden. Phase two features will include the observatory construction and a connector path to the nature trail.

The Westminster Astronomical Society has two observatories currently, one in Charlotte’s Quest in Hampstead and the Frank Rolke Memorial Observatory located at the Bear Branch Nature Center in Hashawa Park, Westminster.