LEONARDTOWN, Md. (June 20, 2009)—The Elms Beach Park playground has been repaired and is ready for use. The playground had been closed for repairs due to extensive vandalism at the park.
Elms Beach Park, as well as other County parks, opens daily at 7:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. A gate attendant will be on duty on most weekends and holidays to monitor vehicle traffic and the parking area. If the maximum parking capacity is reached, the park will be considered as full and no further people or vehicles will be allowed into the park. As vehicles leave the park, other people and vehicles will be allowed in.
Alcohol is not allowed in County parks, except by special permit for events and picnic pavilion rentals.
The Board of County Commissioners recently approved a recommendation by the Recreation and Parks Board to make the Elms Beach Park picnic pavilion an alcohol free pavilion. As a result, effective immediately, alcohol consumption permits will not be approved for functions at Elms Beach Park.
Additionally, the picnic pavilion at Elms Beach Park will no longer be reserved for groups on holiday weekends—usage will be on a first come first serve basis.
County officials say the park policy changes were implemented to address overcrowding and improve safety and security at this small but popular Chesapeake Bay waterfront park.