Accokeek, MD—The Accokeek Foundation was named as one of the 21 partner recipients of the National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Bay Office’s Fiscal Year 2012 Investments. Last Fall, the NPS Chesapeake Bay Office provided financial assistance for projects that address education, youth employment and stewardship programs, and public access and trail development in the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrail Network; such as the Piscataway Park Public Water Access Development project. Through this project, the Accokeek Foundation will significantly increase and improve public access to the Potomac River at Piscataway Park for views, boating, and other recreational uses. This federal funding will be leveraged with funding from the State of Maryland to complete this significant project.
The National Colonial Farm Boat Dock, which was destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, is currently being rebuilt to allow visitors to arrive by water. The current Saylor Grove Fishing Pier will be retrofitted to accommodate larger tour boats that serve passengers on the Potomac River. The fishing pier is a popular recreational feature of Piscataway Park and offers spectacular views of Mount Vernon across the Potomac. Additional improvements to the fishing pier include installation of a floating pier and gangplank, and a fixed ramp designed to accommodate visitors with mobility issues. The project includes the addition of a canoe and kayak dock adjacent to the pier.
The Potomac River is a key contributing segment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. The new public access facilities will both enhance visitor experience at Piscataway Park and also advance the development of these national trails.
The first stage of the project, demolition of the current boat dock and the new steps and landing, is completed; the entire project is on track for completion by this summer. A public opening celebration is planned as part of the Foundation’s annual fundraising Leadership Salute event on June 22, 2013.
For more information about the boat dock project contact the site manager, Brandon Burton, at bburton@accokeek.org or call 301-283-2113 ext. 33.
For details about Leadership Salute contact the development office at development@accokeek.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Anjela Barnes, abarnes@accokeek.org 301-283-2113 ext 34
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