2023_annual_pab_report_approved_and_signed.pdf

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2023 PAB Annual Report
Town of Centreville Park Advisory Board
Introduction
This annual report of the Town of Centreville Park Advisory Board (PAB) reviews its
endeavors for the calendar year 2023. It lists the year's accomplishments, pending items,
and future goals.
Millstream Park
Millstream Parks and Trails continue to provide opportunities for us to enjoy all of
Nature's wonderful manifestations, including the birds who claimed the additional new
bird boxes installed by Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage along the Trail.
Arbor Day, April 28,2023 was rained out, however, the designated three white pine trees
were later planted along the west end of Millstream Trail.
New fencing was placed along Millstream Trail near Glendale Avenue.
Remaining new swing sets were installed at the Park.
Mr. Whitehill continues to work on issues related to the Millstream Trail II development.
The Town has allocated $137,000.00 in its budget to develop Phase II of the Millstream
Trail on the currently owned State Highway property on South Commerce near Citgo. It
is the Town's intent to acquire this property. Since Symphony Village is not interested in
Phase II of the trail, Mr. Whitehill is working with Mr. Bob Karen to allow the Town to
use a portion of Providence Farm to extend the walking trail to the end of Taylor Mill
Road. Mr. Whitehill is working with the Town to obtain bid requests to clear the
extended trails as wilderness hiking trails about four feet wide.
He showed a Go-pro video to present an update on the proposed extended walking trail.
At our October 3,2023 meeting Mr. Whitehill apprised us of an application he submitted
to Community Parks and Playgrounds 2025 Grant Cycle. The grant money will be used
by the Millstream Park Improvement Program for needed upgrades and new equipment.
The list includes the following: Solicit bids for development of the Millstream Master
Plan to include planting plan, resolution of existing drainage and parking issues. Solicit
pricing to demolish the pavilion and replace it with a new one on the existing slab.
Include pricing for a second pavilion. Solicit pricing for drainage improvements and
added parking. Include pricing to provide and install a minimum of four Victor Stanley
benches along the Millstream Trail. Solicit pricing to provide fitness stations along
Millstream Trail. Solicit pricing to upgrade park entrances (both sides of both ends).
Solicit pricing for Sensory Garden for children to be placed near playgrounds. Solicit
pricing to expand soft launch and access to it.
Wharf Park
$40,000.00 from the Waterway Improvement Grant was allocated to add additional
amenities to the Wharf Park: four new boat slips; additional ladders; two finger piers; two
more picnic tables; non-trip cleats; and water and electric. The Town applied for
additiinal grant funding in July, to be used if approved, to complete the Wharf parking
lot, add bollards, additional lighting, and install an electric power station at the pavilion.

Mr. Whitehill is working on a new Community Parks and Playgrounds Grant to fund
Phase III of the Wharf Park development. Kids, parents, and all who assisted, enjoyed
another successful Fishing Derby on September 9, 2023 from 4pm until 6pm. Thank you
to those who made it possible: Mr. Whitehill - guidance and finding vendors and a large
cooler; Ms. Robinson - forms, fliers, clipboards, pens, event notices and banners; Corsica
River Conservancy - knowledge, fishing poles and bait, love of children; Registration -
Mr. Magary, Ms. Simpson, Mrs. Ashley Kaiser; Ms. Mileski - ice and water for cooler;
Kona-ice - snow cones; C & T Hospitality - hot dog vendor; Department of Public Works
persorurel; QAC Recreation and Parks - projector for movie. At 6pm a very fast moving
thunderstorm and downpour sent all fishing derby contenders scurrying for shelter; an
exciting end to an exciting event. Eight pm movie was canceled. Toward the end of 2023,
the PAB purchased and placed two bluebird boxes from Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage,
and added new picnic tables at the Wharf. The Wharf Park is being used for all its assets:
playground; pavilion facilities; boardwalk; boat, kayak, and canoe launch; fishing pier;
bird watching; photographic opportunities; historical site; picnics; restroom facilities;
sitting quietly with nature; entertainment, and much more. Look forward to future
enjoyment as the Wharf Park continues to grow as a family and community center for
activities.
Pocket Parks
At our November 7,2023 meeting Mr. Whitehill provided us with two bids for
landscaping designs and plantings for Pop Taylor Park, which were submitted by
Southeast Lawn and Landscaping. The PAB accepted the $2610.00 bid, paid from our
PAB budget, to help revitalize the beauty and legacy of Pop Taylor Park.
Tree Board
The PAB Tree Board met for its annual meeting on March 7,2023. The Maryland
Department of Environment was notified by the Town that a property owner on Cypress
Street cut down over ten large trees within the wetland area of their backyard.
Information regarding tree loss and plantings will be sent to Washington College to be
included in their Geographic Information System canopy mapping database.
The Arbor Day Foundation recognized Centreville as a2022 Tree City USA.
Landscape Agreement
Effective April 1 1,2022 Southeast Creek Lawn and Landscape has a five-year agreement
to provide maintenance and landscaping for all parks and pocket parks.
Christmas Celebration
The PAB extends special thanks and appreciation to all Centreville residents, volunteers,
businesses, Town Staff, Public Works Department personnel and Town Police. With
holiday spirit, they contributed to Centreville's Christmas decorating, traditional tree
lighting ceremony events, and to the Christmas parade. Mr. Ryan again worked his
Christmas magic to find eleven creative groups who decorated the Christmas trees along
Lawyers Row. "Heroes" was the theme and the winners were: 1st - Girl Scout Troop
226;2nd - American Home Girls; 3rd - 4H Club. The PAB donated $350.00 to help

upgrade the Santa House. Centreville glowed with a bright, cheery, uplifting Holiday
Spirit.
Calendar of Events
The PAB appreciates the calendar of events that is compiled monthly and keeps us up to
date with Town, County, and other group events.
Miscellaneous Business
PAB officers elected at April's meeting: Mr. Mike Whitehill, Chair; Mr. Gene Magary,
Vice Chair; and Ms. Sandy Simpson, Secretary.
On November 16, 2023 Wendy Hubbert was swom in by the Town Council as a new
PAB member.
In August the Wye River Upper School art class offered the Town a repurposed
windchime to be placed in one of our parks as an art sculpture. Following PAB
discussion about possible damage, vandalism, or destruction of their artwork, Ms.
Robinson sent a letter of gratitude to Wye River Upper School for their offer, but the
PAB could not accept their fragile artwork.
The Heights Homeowners Association ended its rights to the Preserve Development in
the Heights. The PAB sent a letter to the Town Council recommending that the Town
keep the rights of the easement to the trail in the Preserve location.
In September Ms. Wendy Hubert proposed a plan to consider planting trees in empty tree
wells along streets where there are no trees.
The PAB voted to accept Mr. Whitehill's additions to the Offrcial Street Tree List.
Recommendations and Goals to Improve Park Advisory Board Service
1. Create an outreach program to the Centreville community to obtain ideas
regarding long-term plans and park improvements. Stress the need for community
participation to help maintain park property and to help raise funds for lapark
equipment and park activities. Establish a committee to plan public events to
support our parks.
2.
Coordinate with the Centreville Town Council and Centreville Planning
Committee to receive information regarding new plans and whether said plans
comply with the Tree Canopy Ordinance.
3. Prioritize PAB budget items, fundraising projects, and spending. Factor in cost of
new items, maintenance required, and manpower hours needed. Establish a PAB
Planner to incorporate and set a timeline for new and ongoing projects.
4. Communicate with Centreville Public Works Department about PAB projects it
needs help with each year.
5.
Coordinate with the Main Street Manager for assistance conceming PAB projects
to best utllize resources to find people to volunteer and to help find funding for
our projects.
Respectfully submitted,

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Sandy Simpson, PAB Secretary
Mike Whitehill, Chair
Gene MaGary, Vice Chair
Sandy Simpson, Secretary
Rich Ryan, Member
Ryan Holdgreve, Member
Priscilla Mileski, Member
Fred McNeil, Member
Wendy Hubbert, Member
Norma Robinson, Administrative Assistant
Ashley Kaiser, Town Council Liaison
Carolyn Brinkley, Acting Town Manager