Washington County Parks and Recreation Department Announces Significant Community Improvements

Washington County Parks and Recreation has announced a series of significant upgrades and new facilities aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities and community gathering spaces for residents. These improvements, made possible through a combination of local family donations, ongoing partnerships, and county investment, are designed to foster greater connection and enjoyment within the county’s public spaces.

The Agriculture Education Center is set to benefit from two key additions. A substantial 60-foot by 120-foot pole barn is currently under construction, a project made possible by a generous donation from the Ad and Janet Fulton family. Additionally, the Fulton family also funded the installation of two 16-foot ceiling fans in the center’s multipurpose building, which are expected to improve comfort and usability for various community events. Further enhancing the Agriculture Education Center, a new picnic shelter is being constructed at the Rural Heritage Village, thanks to the support of the Merwin Hans family. This new shelter is intended to provide a welcoming area for visitors and participants in the village’s programs.

A significant new gathering space has been established at Marty Snook Park with the completion of the Mary “Dolly” Snook Memorial Pavilion in Marty’s Mythical Woods. This timber-frame pavilion, jointly funded by the Snook family and Washington County, serves as a tribute to Dolly Snook and offers a new communal area. The pavilion is available for public rental through the Washington County Parks and Recreation Department. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the pavilion is scheduled for October 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with further details about the event to be announced.

In a move to improve athletic facilities, Washington County is undertaking a comprehensive rehabilitation and resurfacing of its tennis courts. This initiative, which will extend over the next year, involves multiple park locations and several Washington County Public Schools facilities. Participating county park sites will include Regional Park, Pleasant Valley Park, Chestnut Grove Park, and Martin Snook Park. School sites included in the project are Boonsboro High School, Smithsburg High School, Hancock High School, Clear Spring Middle & High School, Williamsport High School, South Hagerstown High School, and North Hagerstown High School. The resurfaced courts at county parks will feature pickleball lines, while school courts will be marked with blended youth tennis lines.

Woodland Way Park has seen improvements with the recent completion of a new sidewalk, designed to enhance accessibility and safety for park visitors. Future plans for Woodland Way Park, slated for development over the next year, include the installation of new playground equipment, additional court resurfacing, pathway reconstruction, and landscaping enhancements.

These ongoing projects underscore a commitment to developing and maintaining welcoming, safe, and enjoyable environments for all Washington County residents and visitors. The department also aims to encourage active lifestyles and preserve the county’s unique heritage through its park development and maintenance efforts.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Parks & Recreation Department

---