Ward Farm Park Opens

By Molly Weeks Crumbley

After years of work since ground was first broken in 2018, the Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park in Dunkirk has completed the first phase of its master plan and is now open to the public.

On Tuesday, March 8, residents joined representatives from Calvert County government for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and to explore the park’s many amenities.

The first phase has brought the installation of several multi-use sports fields, nature trails, a paved perimeter trail, and a fishing pier. The property, which Calvert County Parks and Recreation acquired in 2013, still has many phases to go before the master plan is complete.

The goal, says CCPR director Shannon Nazzal, “was to design a facility that combines active and passive recreation spaces to create a park that highlights the best of what Calvert County has to offer.”

Future phases will add things such as restroom and playground facilities, a nature center and overlook pavilion, and a disc golf course.

“We’re very excited for the start of this park being open but it’s definitely not finished,” Nazzal said. “It has been an immense collaborative effort but one that has led to incredible results. It’s an exciting day to reach such a momentous milestone.”

County Commissioner Hance also spoke at the ceremony, sharing his thoughts about the original owner of the Ward property. “Mr. Ward spent his life on this property. It’s 209 acres and he worked the fields. I’m sure today he’s up above us smiling down to know that kids and adults are going to get to come here for years to enjoy the natural beauty of this property,” said Hance. “A farmer couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Learn more at Calvertparks.org/Ward-Farm-Recreation-and-Nature-Park.