THE STATE OF MARYLAND S DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FULLY SUPPORTS MARYLAND CAPITAL PARKS PLANNING COMMISSION-MONTGOMERY COUNTY S PURSUIT OF LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUNDS (LWCF) IN THE AMOUNT OF 1,000,000. THE COUNTY COMMITS MATCHING FUNDS OF THE SAME TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS TO WAYNE LOCAL PARK AT LONG BRANCH. THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT IS TO PROVIDE A RENOVATED PARK WITH ENHANCED FACILITIES THAT WILL SERVE THE PUBLIC AND BE OPEN TO ANYONE, WITH NO FEE. THIS PROJECT, LOCATED IN AN EQUITY FOCUS AREA, WILL UPGRADE EXISTING PARK FACILITIES THAT ARE IN POOR CONDITION AND ADD NEW AMENITIES THAT SUPPORT PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY, AND OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR AN UNDERSERVED POPULATION IN THE LONG BRANCH AREA. THESE FUNDS WILL IMPROVE PARK ACCESSIBILITY, RENOVATE THE EXISTING PLAYGROUND, CREATE FITNESS STATIONS, RENOVATE THE BASKETBALL COURT AND ATHLETIC FIELDS TO MEET CURRENT USER NEEDS. SUPPORTING SITE ELEMENTS INCLUDE A RESTROOM PRIVACY ENCLOSURE, BICYCLE PARKING, AND DRINKING FOUNTAINS, RETAINING WALLS AND FENCING, DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS, SITE PREPARATION, GRADING, EARTHWORK, ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN PATHWAYS, AND SITE RESTORATION, SO AS TO UTILIZE THESE AREAS FOR IMMEDIATELY FOR RECREATION.