Several Policy Changes Regarding Alcohol and Pavilion Reservations go into Effect
LEONARDTOWN, Md. (May 22, 2009)—The St. Mary's County Government announced that Elms Beach Park in Lexington Park will reopen to the public on Saturday, May 23, 2009. The park has been closed since March 17, 2009 due to extensive vandalism. Most facilities in the park have been repaired; however, it is estimated that the park's playground will not be reopened for use for another six weeks.
Elms Beach Park, as well as other County parks, open daily at 7:00 a.m. and close 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/vehicles will be allowed into the park.
The Board of County Commissioners recently approved a recommendation by the Recreation and Parks Board to make the Elms Beach Park picnic pavilion alcohol-free. Alcohol is not allowed in County parks, except by special permit for events and picnic pavilion rentals.
County officials have also decided that the picnic pavilion at Elms Beach Park will no longer be reserved for groups on holiday weekends—they will now be on a first come first serve basis.
According to County officials, these park policy changes were taken to address overcrowding and improve safety and security at this small but popular Chesapeake Bay waterfront park.