EDGEWATER, MD — Anne Arundel County is planning to spend about $11.5 million on the proposed recreation center in Edgewater.
The county announced last month that it’s in the process of buying the former Giant Food grocery store at 3130 Solomons Island Road. Crews plan to convert the currently vacant building into a recreation center.
Officials are hesitant to estimate when construction will start and end. There are plenty of budgetary, public feedback, design and permitting hurdles to clear before construction.
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The renovation is likely at least a year from breaking ground.
“Design will begin once the property sale is complete (it’s going through the normal process now) and the budget is approved,” Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks spokesperson Heath Neiderer told Patch in a Wednesday email. “I hesitate to anticipate a construction timeframe since it’s early in the process and there are several moving parts.”
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The $11.5 million would cover the design and renovation of the existing building, which will be converted and not demolished.
Recreation and Parks is requesting that this money be included in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. County Executive Steuart Pittman, who supports the project, writes the budget proposal that gets sent to the County Council.
“For years, county residents have been asking for indoor recreation facilities, and for years the former Giant building in Edgewater has been used only during the Halloween season,” Pittman said in a February press release. “I am thrilled that we were able to sign an agreement to acquire the site this week, and can’t wait to get to work with our residents and designers on a plan that delivers for people of all ages.”
Pittman’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget will cover projects starting between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
If the recreation center is included in the budget, design could start sometime in that window.
Recreation and Parks plans to host public input opportunities this summer. These sessions could influence the design.
There is not yet an estimated opening date, but it appears the recreation center could be years away.
“Overall plans depend on factors like construction and services offered, which will be factored in once we hear from the public and design begins,” Neiderer said. “It is important to note that the Department has prioritized public involvement and will host public engagement sessions and events starting this summer to get feedback on recreational programming for this venue.”
Patch asked readers about their ideas for the facility. Suggestions included everything from athletic courts and a gym to a swimming pool or an ice rink. Our full story on their ideas is posted here.
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