West Friendship Park Agricultural Programming Focus Group Formed

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The West Friendship Park Agricultural Programming Focus Group has been formed by Howard County officials to identify programs and uses at Howard County’s Department of Recreation & Parks’ West Friendship Park that will offer learning experiences for residents and visitors, all while supporting Howard County agriculture.

"As we shape the future of West Friendship Park and maintain the connection to our county’s agricultural roots, we are excited to expand our agricultural programming. I would like to thank the many stakeholders from our farming community for their time and input in helping us develop and promote agricultural learning and recreation uses for all to enjoy," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

The focus group will meet at least two times during the next three months to discuss and develop a list of proposed agricultural programs and uses at West Friendship Park. The list will be reviewed by the Office of the County Executive and the Department of Recreation & Parks to evaluate the feasibility of the programs and uses, and consider their compatibility within the park.

The focus group will hold its first meeting April 3 to tour West Friendship Park, learn more about its current proposed agricultural programs and uses, and begin discussions on future programming. During subsequent meetings, the focus group will continue its discussions on future agricultural programs and uses for the park and generate, prioritize, and finalize a list of options to be presented to Office of the County Executive and Department of Recreation & Parks.

The 23-member focus group includes the following representatives:

• Barbara Glenn, Member, Howard County Farm Bureau
• Cathy Hudson, Vice Chair, Howard County Agricultural Preservation Board
• Chuck Schuster, Member, Supervisors, Howard Soil Conservation District
• Cindy Skalny, District 5 Aide, Howard County Council
• David Pearman, Farmer, One Rock Farm & Owner, One Rock Farmacy
• David Plummer, District Manager, Howard Soil Conservation District
• David Yungmann, Councilmember, Howard County Council (District 5)
• Derek Patrick, Farmer, Maple Dell Farm and Sunflowers of Lisbon & Board Member, Howard County Agricultural Preservation Board
• Howie Feaga, Farmer, Merry Acres Farm & Member, Howard County Farm Bureau
• Jack Hartner, Farmer, Hartland Farms & Member, Howard County Fair Board of Directors
• James R. Moxley IV, Farmer, Dawn Acres & Vice President, Howard County Fair Board of Directors
• Jamie Brown, Farmer, TLV Tree Farm & Chair, Howard County Agricultural Preservation Board
• Jason Hartner, Resident/Farmer/4-H Experience /Hog Program
• Joe Dymek, Board Member, Howard County Agricultural Preservation Board
• Kathy Johnson, Director, Agricultural Business Development, Howard County Economic Development Authority
• Leslie Bauer, Farmer, Rural Rhythm Farm & President, Howard County Farm Bureau
• Lynn Rubin-Traversa, Area Extension Director – Central Maryland Cluster, University of Maryland Extension
• Martha Clark, Farmer, Clark’s Farm
• Mary Kay Sigaty, Former Howard County Councilmember
• Nathan Glen, Agent Associate - Agriculture and Food Services – Howard County, University of Maryland Extension
• Peggy Schultz, Farmer, Scocorro Farm & Member, Howard County Fair Board of Directors
• Sean Hough, Resident/Farmer/4-H Experience /Hog Program
• Tim Feaga, Farmer, Heritage Hill Farms & President, Howard County Fair Board of Directors