A new park in Wicomico County?

SALISBURY, Md. — The Wicomico County Council hosted the Maryland Department of Natural Resources this week to explore the possibility of creating a state park in the county.

Council President John Cannon said it was a successful day of tours. Officials visited the Connelly Mill property, Pemberton Park and Pirates Wharf Park before holding a community meeting on the West Side, where residents asked questions and shared concerns.

“We did a tour of three different locations to see how they might work out as far as collaborating with the state of Maryland to enhance them as parks in the county. Then we had a town hall meeting at the West Side Community Center that night, and that was a really, really productive meeting. The whole day was very productive,” Cannon said.

Cannon said he believes the state is leaning toward making Wetipquin a state park. He added that Pemberton Park may also be a good fit, citing its heritage, location, trails and water access.

“In discussing that with Secretary Kurtz, he felt that Wetipquin would equally be a successful park. It could be a state park, and we could possibly enhance Pemberton Park as a partnership park. So that might be the best of both worlds,” he said. “Honestly, partnership parks is a whole new concept for me. I was not really familiar with it. But what I understand is that a partnership park would mean the state collaborates with a local jurisdiction to help make improvements, and I think that could only benefit us as a county.”

Updates on a possible park location are expected in the coming weeks.