Talbot County, Maryland

03/14/2023

Category: Parks and Recreation

The Talbot County Council is pleased to announce the groundbreaking for the gymnasium expansion project at the Talbot County Community Center located at 10028 Ocean Gateway in Easton. Davis, Bowen & Friedel completed the architectural design work with the construction bid awarded to Willow Construction, LLC of Easton. Total project cost is $5,000,000 and construction is anticipated to take nine months. Once completed, the gymnasium will include two full-size high school basketball courts, three volleyball courts, bathrooms and storage space.

The space will also be available for rent for a variety of events which could include athletic tournaments, job fairs, college fairs, banquets and weddings. The project is being funded by the County and Program Open Space.

“This is an exciting capital project for the County that has been a long-time coming. The Council’s investment in the Community Center, most recently with the repairs of the ice rink, and now the gymnasium expansion, will allow year-round use of the facility which will be a tremendous asset for citizens of all ages, particularly our youth,” noted Chuck Callahan, President, Talbot County Council.

Preston Peper, Director, Parks and Recreation states, “There has been a need in Talbot County for a large open space for sports, tournaments, events and meetings for many years. This expansion will allow youth sports to grow, tournaments and competitions to be held and provide the capability to hold large events like banquets, weddings and job and college fairs. While revenue will be generated at this venue when completed, the most important aspect for patrons like Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, club volleyball and local business is the ability to remain in Talbot County and not have to travel outside the county to meet their needs."

Pictured from left to right: Mike Hiner, President, Willow Construction; Preston Peper, Director, Talbot County Parks and Recreation; Keasha Haythe, Talbot County Council Member; Dave Stepp, Talbot County Council Member; Pete Lesher Talbot County Council Vice President; Chuck Callahan, Talbot County Council President; Clay Stamp, Talbot County Manager; Frank Divilio, Talbot County Council past member; Corey Pack, Talbot County Council past member; Christopher Cullen, AIA, Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc