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- Richard W. Kanode Farm Park Development
Richard W. Kanode Farm Park Development
Mr. Richard W. Kanode conveyed this 182.7-acre site to Frederick County in 2017 with the understanding that the property would be preserved in perpetuity for agricultural and equestrian uses. Human & Rohde, Inc. Landscape Architects, was retained to prepare a Master Plan for the site. A Master Plan Advisory Committee composed of representatives of adjacent property owners, Maryland Horse Industry Board, agriculture and farming groups and agencies, tourism and arts councils, and Parks & Recreation Staff worked with Human & Rohde, Inc. to develop a plan that would incorporate the desired equestrian activities into the agricultural site in strict accordance with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Easement agreement that was signed August 14, 2017.
The Preliminary Master Plan was presented to the Community at an Open House on April 12, 2023; presented to the Frederick County Parks & Recreation Commission on April 13, 2023, and approved on January 11, 2024; presented to and approved by the Fredrick County Planning Commission on February 21, 2024; and approved by the County Executive on May 14, 2024.
The Richard W. Kanode Farm Park will provide future educational and recreational programming related to agricultural and equestrian pursuits. This park will include various upgrades and improvements to existing farm buildings, parking, agricultural education, equestrian amenities, and trails.
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Documents Related to Richard W. Kanode Farm Park
Richard W. Kanode Farm Park Master Plan and Phase One Progress Schedule
- September 2022 - 1st Meeting.
- February 2023 - Preliminary Park Master Plan Completed.
- April 4, 2023 - Parks and Recreation launched a two-month online survey and gathered 48 responses regarding the proposed park master plan design.
- April 12, 2023 - A Park open house event was held (the public reviewed and provided comments on the proposed plan).
- April 13, 2023 - Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed Richard W. Kanode Farm Park Master Plan presentation by Human and Rhode.
- June 8, 2023 - The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the Master Plan as presented and received public comment on the plan. The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to initiate a feasibility, traffic, and archeological study to determine the types of programs that would be held at the park and what impacts the proposed amenities in the plan would have on Stevens Road and the property. A future meeting will be established to vote on the Master Plan to recommend to the Planning Commission.
- January 11, 2024 - Park Master Plan and Comprehensive Study reviewed and recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
- February 21, 2024 - Non-binding review by the Planning Commission (public meeting at Winchester Hall) was approved. The master plan was found to be consistent with the County overall comprehensive plan.
- May 2024 – County Executive Approved Park Master Plan.
- Fall 2024 - Design of Phase 1 begins. Design of Phase 1 will prioritize: Entrance Road, Parking, Restoration of Farm Structures, Trail Development, and Agricultural Education programming.
- August 2025 - 15% of the design plans are completed.
- What is the Kanode Farm Park project, and what does it aim to achieve?
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The Kanode Farm Park Project is the first Frederick County Park on a MALPF easement. This unique special park will have various Agriculture potential features such as trails, equestrian riding rink, improved farm buildings, educational farming spaces, with the purpose of providing farm education and Agricultural recreational experiences to our community.
- What are the main features and facilities planned for the park?
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Planned features include an entrance road driveway, upgrades to farm buildings, a covered and uncovered equestrian riding rink, trails, a parking lot, utilities, and landscaping.
- How is the $5.6 million for FY’25 budgeted, and is it confirmed or subject to approval?
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The $5.6 million for FY’25 is part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and is a projected budget subject to annual approval and changes based on funding and priorities.
- How can the public contribute their input, and how will it influence the project?
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Public input is gathered through advisory committees and public meetings. It helps shape the project's priorities, design, and future use, ensuring community needs and preferences are considered.
- What are the projected timelines for the Master Plan & Design and Construction phases?
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The Master Plan & Design phase was funded in FY’23 and is expected to take about 18 months. Construction funding is currently proposed for FY’25.
- How might changes in scope or funding affect the project?
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Changes in scope or funding due to factors like inflation, funding limitations, or priorities can lead to adjustments in the project's design, timelines, or specific features.
- What are the roles of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission in this project?
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The Parks and Recreation Commission provides recommendations to the Planning Commission, which conducts a non-binding review to ensure consistency with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and can suggest presenting the plan to the County Executive for consideration.
- What educational and recreational opportunities will Kanode Farm Park provide?
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The park is under a MALPF easement and will comply with those restrictions for all farm related activities onsite. Potentially a variety of passive recreational activities, including equestrian-related activities, and provide an educational setting to learn about local ecology, history, and agriculture.
For any questions, please contact the Deputy Director: