New agreement restores public water access in Shady Side at a reduced cost to the county
Anne Arundel County, MD (October 15, 2025) – Today, County Executive Steuart Pittman announced a new agreement between Anne Arundel County and Discovery Village Shady Side, LLC to provide public water access by reopening the county’s boat ramp at Discovery Village, effective immediately.
The boat ramp at 4800 Atwell Road in Shady Side closed for public use on July 1. Shortly after the closure, the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks partnered with nearby Parish Creek Marina to provide public access to the marina’s boat ramp through the end of the 2025 boating season. This new agreement provides public water access at Discovery Village through July 2027.
"This new agreement is good news for the county, our taxpayers, and our boaters in South County,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “We now have a fair, fiscally responsible agreement that restores public boating access at Discovery Village.”
The terms of the new agreement eliminate long-term liabilities that were included in the previous lease. Paired with the lower rent cost negotiated in this agreement, it is estimated to save the county more than $1.5 million over the next 21 months. The new agreement includes a lease rate of $292,195 in total rent as well as repaving of the boat ramp parking lot. These costs will be paid from the county’s capital budget.
“The county never stopped the conversation with the property owners at Discovery Village,” said Jessica Leys, Director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks. “We are thrilled to have a new lease that restores public access at this location. We also continue to pursue other avenues to increase public water access in the area and county-wide.”
This agreement reflects the county's ongoing commitment to expanding water access opportunities for all residents. The Department of Recreation and Parks currently operates three public boat ramps, 18 car-top launch sites, two indoor swimming pools, and three public beaches.
"This new agreement re-establishes the public water access at Discovery Village, balancing popular public amenities with fiscal responsibility and saving taxpayer money,” said County Council Chair Julie Hummer. “The Department of Recreation and Parks has been working tirelessly to increase public water access opportunities throughout the county, and I look forward to residents enjoying the fruits of their labors at Discovery Village and other locations in the months and years ahead."
More water access information can be found on the county’s website - https://www.aacounty.org/recreation-parks/parks/popular-activities/water-access