Due by 5pm on MONDAY, December 14. Click the link at the bottom of the post to see a map of the Mayo Peninsula Parks Planning area.
We have a very important call for action for all windsurfers and other wind-sports enthusiasts in the Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia area, and anyone else who is interested in windsurfing on the Chesapeake Bay. Please see the request below from Mike Lofton, Chair of the AA Co Public Water Access Committee. BABA has filed comments on behalf of the club but it is very important for AA Park and Rec to hear from individuals as well. Please read the request for comments in italics at the bottom of this post.
Some key points to consider:
Residents of the Mayo Peninsula have expressed concern about public access (or any access at all) to the public beaches in their community and some would like the beaches to remain restricted or closed to the public.
The AA Public Water Access Committee is working towards increased access at all AA Co. owned parks and was instrumental in getting Spriggs Farm Park on the Magothy River opened in November (blog post and pictures coming soon), and getting Beverly Triton open to the public (including windsurfers and kite boarders) without a permit.
Currently, windsurfers and other “car top boaters” have access to Mayo Beach Park with a “car top boat” permit from AA Co. While some feel the permit is not needed under an open access policy, there are concerns that if Mayo Beach is opened to the public and the “car top boat” permit program is disbanded, windsurfers and other car-top boaters will not have access to the launch-front parking area OR that the launch-front parking area could be open to the public, which may result challenges unloading gear close to the launch.
BABA’s Priorities as developed by Steering Committee members engaged in the AA Co. Public Water Access Committee:
* Keep windsurfing and other car-top boat access at Mayo and Beverly Triton
* Keep the current system for access in place during the planning process
* Wind-sports enthusiasts have very specific needs for access to strong and steady wind in contrast with the need and desire for more sheltered access and water trails that kayakers/SUP/canoe enthusiasts prefer so we ask that you consider these different needs and requirements when looking at access points on the Mayo Peninsula.
In your response, let AA Co. know where you live – if you live outside of AA Co and you drive there to windsurf on the bay and spend money on gas, food, shopping etc, you’re contributing to the local economy. Let them know how few windsurfing launches are available to you, and ask for windsurfing access to continue at Mayo and Beverly Triton.
Please send your comments to Rick Anthony and copy Mike Lofton (as noted in Mike’s message copied below).
Thank you for taking an active role in windsurfers’ access to great launches on the Chesapeake Bay.
Mayo Peninsula Parks Planning Call for Comments
A committee has been formed to provide advice on the use & future development of more than 500 acres of public park land (much of it with extensive water-frontage) on the Mayo Peninsula.
In addition to the committee, comprised primarily of Mayo Peninsula residents, EVERYONE is encouraged to provide input to the planning process.
Ideas will be used by a consultant, selection anticipated late January 2016, to prepare 2-3 concepts for a regional park complex.
Effective use of these public assets will begin to address Anne Arundel County’s most significant recreation deficiency, public water access.
Comments should be submitted to AA Rec & Parks Director, Rick Anthony at rpanth49@aacounty.org . Please copy me at msl49@aol.com
Attached is a map showing the locations of the four primary sites:
· South River Farm Park 187 acres
· Mayo Beach Park 26 acres
· Beverly-Triton Beach Park 342 acres
· Carr’s Wharf Rd Public launch & Pier +/- 1 acre
Comments need to be in by December 14, 2015
Thanks
Mike Lofton, Chair
Anne Arundel Public Water Access Committee