Garrett County families will benefit from Maryland's signature Program Open Space with Wednesday's Board of Public Works' approval of funding for recreational upgrades to Eastern Garrett Park.

"Through Program Open Space, in coordination with our local partners, we continue to improve existing recreation areas, ensuring they remain safe and well-maintained, and meet the changing needs of our local communities," said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, who presided over the meeting.

The county will receive $12,475 for park improvements, including a new metal roof on the concession stand and pavilion, energy-efficient lighting along the pavilion walkway, and bathroom renovations.

Under the leadership of Governor Martin O'Malley, the Board of Public Works has approved funding for 1,334 recreational projects, including Community Parks & Playgrounds, through local-side Program Open Space since 2007. Today, most Marylanders live within 15 minutes of one of 6,100 recreational areas funded by the program since 1969. Over the past 45 years, the program has also funded acquisition of 366,863 acres of land for public use, nearly 12 percent of which have been have been protected under the O'Malley-Brown Administration. A video showing the direct benefits of Program Open Space can be viewed here.

The three-member Board of Public Works is comprised of Governor O'Malley (chair), Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.