New funding approved for Mason-Dixon Sports Complex renovations in Delmar
DELMAR, Md. – Even though Maryland had a challenging legislative session, local lawmakers were able to make strides towards completing the Mason-Dixon Complex renovation project in Delmar. $200,000 in state funding was approved for the facility, and Wicomico County officials are excited about the progress.
State Senator Mary Beth Carozza fought for the funding of this project, along with others on the shore. She said it was imperative that the state give fair and equitable funding for all parts of the state.
“There was concern that they might penalize the shore, and we fought extremely hard to make sure there was fair funding here on the shore.”
The county had already received $1.4 million in funding for phase 1 of renovations. Director of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Steve Miller expects those additions to begin in the summer.
“Two of the fields are going to get re-oriented, and are going to get flipped. We’ll do grading, fix drainage, and all of the things where we tear up the ground. We’re going to try and do all of that with the funding we currently have.”
After phase 1, the project will be ready for phase 2. Miller said the next step is adding structures to the facility. “Into phase 2, some building structures will go up, and we’re proposing a new concession stand restroom, a new pavilion, and a new parking lot.”
Miller expects the project to help with local public recreation, the school system, and tourism efforts hosting baseball and softball tournaments. He thanked Senator Carozza and the entire Eastern Shore Delegation for supporting projects on the shore. “There’s a lot of wins in this project that we are really excited about.”
The county expects to begin phase 1 after the Little League baseball season ends in July. Moving right into phase 2 to have the complex ready for activities by next spring.
