(5/23) Three-Way Stop To Be Constructed On Kenneth Drive

In 2022, residents of Kenneth Drive approached commissioners about speeding issues along the primarily residential road which also contains the entrance to Community Park. A temporary speed bump was installed in the summer of 2022 as a short-term solution. Although the speed bump has been successful, the town now hopes to install a more permanent solution in the form of a three-way stop at the halfway point of the road near St. Timothy Catholic Church. Not only will a three-way stop be less invasive than a speed bump, it will also cost less than installing a permanent speed bump.

Heritage Farm Park Playground To Undergo Renovation

The Parks Commission has laid out its plans for renovating the playground at Heritage Farm Park. Although a definitive timeline is yet to be scheduled, early plans include the complete demolition of current playground equipment and construction of brand new equipment. Since it will be rebuilt from the ground up, the town hopes to make the equipment accessible for children of all ages and abilities. With this in mind, Walkersville resident Kelly Eakin and her two special needs sons, Bryce and James, were invited to speak at the Parks meeting about accessible playgrounds. They emphasized the need for interactive elements like games as well as "combination spaces" in which both able-bodied and disabled children can play. Commissioner Brodie-Ennis also noted the need for Poured-in-Place rubber, which would allow wheelchairs and other medically necessary equipment to access the playground. Once proposals and estimates are completed, the town plans to complete construction of the playground with their own funds.

Heritage Farm Park is one of many beneficiaries of the Maryland Forest Service’s "5 Million Trees Initiative," which is coordinated by state-appointed tree expert Anna Twigg. As of mid-April, 65 trees were planted near the playground, tee ball field, and the beginning of the disc golf course in the park. At least 20 more trees are expected to be planted in the park by summer. This comes in addition to Walkersville’s new memorial tree program, which will allow residents to purchase new saplings for the town’s parks in honor of loved ones.

Creamery Park Renovations Nearing Completion

After many months of planning, designing, and construction, the new-and-improved Creamery Park is set to open by early summer. With construction of new playground equipment completed, the park now awaits installation of a new basketball court, walkways, and Poured-in-Place rubber for the playground surface. In addition, the first memorial bench in Creamery Park has been installed to honor 15-year-old Nikole Cynthia Morfessis, who was struck by a tractor-trailer in April 2022. The town also hopes to honor the legacy of 21-year-old Matthew Coleman who died in a bungee-jumping accident in 2000. The Coleman family, who has long supported students through the Community Foundation, has donated the remaining money in the fund to support Creamery Park. Commissioner Brodie-Ennis has suggested the inclusion of an honorary park sign for the Colemans.

Walkersville Day To Be Held May 20

Walkersville Day, a popular community-wide festival, will return for its second year since the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, May 20. Attendees can expect to find vendors throughout town, from the Glade United Church of Christ to the Walkersville Public Library. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will also hold its annual Strawberry Festival, with fresh fruit and sweets available for purchase. Many local organizations are also expected to participate, including the Walkersville Business and Professional Association and the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, who in the past has provided activities for children. The bulk of the event will take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Town Awards Water Tank Maintenance Contract

After reviewing two service proposals, the town will award perpetual maintenance of Walkersville’s three water tanks to Southern Corrosion. The alternate proposal came from Utility Services, owned by the SUEZ company. Although Utility Services has previously carried out the town’s water tank maintenance, commissioners and town staff agree that the company’s work has not been satisfactory. Therefore, despite the almost $10,000 difference between the two companies’ proposals (Southern Corrosion at $52,960 per year and Utility Services at $44,401 per year, with yearly increases for both based on the Consumer Price Index), Southern Corrosion will be contracted to carry out future maintenance for the lifetime of the three tanks.