Hammond’s Connection could feature community gardens Annapolis (February 3, 2009) - County Executive John R. Leopold announced today that the Department of Recreation and Parks will hold a public meeting to solicit input on the Preliminary Master Plan for a portion of the former U.S. Naval Academy Dairy Farm referred to as Hammond’s Connection on February 18th. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Arundel Senior High School auditorium, located at 1001 Annapolis Road, Gambrills, Maryland 21054. "This farm is a precious jewel that we plan to keep rural and agricultural for generations to come, but we also hope to add public amenities to teach our children about the value of nature," County Executive Leopold said. "Whether it is a trail that interests you, or gardening in the community plots, we want to hear from everyone on how to best utilize this property." Hammond’s Connection is a 140-acre section of land located within the western border of the Dairy Farm in Gambrills. Since April 2008, the Dairy Farm Advisory Committee has met and discussed ways to provide the public opportunities to reconnect with the land through a variety of recreational amenities and activities. The Preliminary Plan for Hammond’s Connection calls for a network of hiker-biker trails running throughout forest restoration areas and garden settings, as well as natural surface footpaths, gardens, a small playground, several picnic pavilions, and stream-side wildlife observation platforms. Approximately 3 acres of this site will be established as Community Garden Plots where individuals and families can grow their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The Preliminary Plan can be viewed on the Recreation and Parks Website. For further information or for special needs accommodations, please contact Karyn Molines, Supervisor of Cultural Resources for Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, at (410) 222-7317, or through Maryland Relay Service at 711. | 
