ST. MARY'S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND RECREATIONAL TRAIL

ST. MARY'S CITY, MD

McCormick Taylor worked with
St. Mary’s College of Maryland to develop a feasibility study, 30 percent design package, and Transportation Alternatives Program grant application for a new recreational trail on campus.

DESIGN, ENVIRONMENTAL, PLANNING & COMMUNICATIONS , INSTITUTIONS

THE CHALLENGE

There had not been a connection from the St. Mary's College of Maryland's central campus area to the northern recreational fields, and pedestrians and cyclists had to use the MD 5 roadway. The roadway has no shoulder in various locations, causing serious safety concerns for the college.

 

The project area was within the 100-foot buffer of the Chesapeake Bay, and also required approval from the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Commission as well as associated erosion and sediment control and stormwater management permitting requirements from the Maryland Department of the Environment. The project area is adjacent to the St. Mary’s City Historic Site and is along the Religious Freedom Tour National Scenic Byway. Therefore, the design incorporated context-sensitive solutions in keeping with the Scenic Byway’s Corridor Management Plan

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garden of remembrance

 

HOW WE HELPED

Our work spanned from site analysis and concept development stage to final design and construction. We assisted with NEPA documentation and securing all environmental permits. Because the crossing over Fishers Pond requires both a tidal wetland and non-tidal wetland permit, we worked with the college to prepare minimization and mitigation designs.

 

Public involvement efforts were conducted throughout the planning and design process to ensure that input from the project stakeholders was considered. Close coordination with the project sponsor as well as open houses, public meetings, and design charrettes allowed the public to participate in the decision making process.

RESULTS

This trail provides a vital pedestrian and bicycle link from the central campus area to the northern recreational fields. Sustainability measures, including a 700-foot boardwalk across the tidal marsh for Fishers Pond and pervious pavers to reduce water run-off, as well as landscaping and bioswales were also incorporated.

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