Frederick is abuzz with the proposal of the Westside Regional Park, a project that promises to bring a new wave of community engagement and development. However, the project has been marred by miscommunication between the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor, causing a stir among residents.
Several members of the Board of Aldermen requested a workshop with Marc DeOcampo, Director of Strategic Planning to discuss various community improvements being considered for Frederick’s westside. Many early- stage initiatives and studies have been in development by City staff in collaboration with various non-profits and government agencies — the Westside Regional Park is one of them.
On August 23, 2023, Alderwoman Katie Nash called the meeting to order. Also present were Alderman Kelly Russell, Alderwoman Donna Kuzemchak, Alderman Derek Shackelford, and Alderman Ben MacShane. Mayor Michael O’Connor was not present.
Tensions arose during the workshop as Alderwoman Nash expressed concerns about premature announcements made by the Mayor’s Office regarding the library location feasibility and lack of community engagement. She highlighted transferring locations of the library without city process and questioned the legality of moving city assets, a trend, she says, of receiving secondary information rather than directly from the Mayor’s Office. Alderman McShane probed DeOcampo if the Mayor instructed him to sabotage the proposal as other Aldermen came to DeOcampo’s defense.
Watch the full meeting here.
”I’m done asking permission for the same things that we do everywhere else in the city — for the west side.” -Alderwoman Nash
The Westside Regional Park (WSRP) is a project that aims to provide a plethora of facilities to the residents of Frederick near Butterfly Ridge Elementary. The proposal includes a library and a community center, both of which are expected to serve as hubs for community interaction and learning. In the various iterations since 2016, other additions were suggested such as a water park, pool, sports fields, an indoor sports plex, and even retail space. The park is being funded through a combination of public and private funds, with the city contributing a significant portion of the budget. The Ausherman Family Foundation agreed to fund the hiring of a consultant to work with the City in developing an action plan to implement park amenities at WSRP beginning in February 2024. The scope of work will include creating a community engagement process to understand needs and determine the types of park amenities. This process is intended to be most helpful in moving forward the community center, the indoor sports complex, and field improvements.
Frederick County Public Libraries identified a need for a new branch library to service the Westside Community in the latest facilities master plan. The library is expected to cater to the diverse needs of the community, providing a space for learning, research, and leisure with the latest technology and resources. The project was placed in the County Community Improvement Plan (CIP) initially planned to be incorporated into the renovation of the Prospect Center. After being met with protest, the Hillcrest Neighborhood and various non-profits requested the County to work with the City to find a more central location convenient to elementary school students and walkable from the neighborhood. The City provided several options at Westside Regional Park (WSRP) however, it was determined not feasible due to state easement restrictions on the land. Most recently, the Mayor and County Executive jointly committed to studying the feasibility of converting Hillcrest Park into a new 15,000 square foot branch library facility.
The community center, on the other hand, is designed to be a vibrant space that hosts a variety of community activities and events. In fiscal year 2023, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved $7.5 million of funding towards a Westside Community Center. The programs, uses, and services still need to be developed through community feedback. However, funds allocated are not enough to implement the facility. One proposed solution would be combining the community center with the indoor sports complex to allow for an economically feasible public/private partnership. Local organizations are pushing the Mayor’s Office and Board of Alderman to keep the center at the forefront of priorities, in fear it may not be built at all.
However, the project has been met with criticism due to the lack of community input and information. Many residents feel that they have been left in the dark about the project’s details and progress. There have been calls for more transparency and public involvement in the project, with residents expressing their desire to have a say in a project that will significantly impact their community.
Adding to the controversy is the miscommunication between the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor’s Office. There have been disagreements over the project’s funding and timeline, leading to public disputes and confusion. The Board of Aldermen has accused the Mayor’s Office of not providing complete and accurate information about the project.
Despite the controversies, the Westside Regional Park proposal remains a beacon of hope for the residents of Frederick. If executed well, the project has the potential to transform the city’s landscape and foster a stronger sense of community. However, for this to happen, there needs to be better communication and collaboration between the city’s leaders and its residents. The Westside Regional Park is not just a project; it is a testament to Frederick’s future, and everyone should have a say in shaping it.
Stay involved! Attend the Mayor and Board of Aldermen Workshop that meets on Wednesdays at 3 p.m in the City Hall Boardroom where they discuss community needs and aldermanic priorities.To view recorded meetings, agendas, and minutes, visit: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.