Through tireless work and advocacy on the part of so many citizens and County officials, Secretary Josh Kurtz of the Department of Natural Resources toured Connelly Mill along with Pemberton and Pirate's Wharf Parks last week as possible opportunities for Partnership Parks with the state of Maryland! On September 23, 2025, citizens of Wicomico gathered at Connelly Mill, joined by several officials such as:

• Secretary of DNR Josh Kurtz
• Wicomico Director of Recreation Parks and Tourism Steve Miller
• Senator Mary Beth Carozza
• Delegate Barry Beauchamp
• County Council President John Cannon
• County Council Vice President Jeff Merritt
• County Councilman At-Large James Winn
• Town Manager of Delmar Jeff Fleetwood
• Town of Delmar Planning and Zoning Director Twain Evanson

During the site visit, Director Miller introduced the topic by stating that the idea of "partnership parks" had come up. Recognizing that not everyone was familiar with the term, he asked Secretary Kurtz to explain what it means.

• It's a Flexible Concept: Kurtz says that a partnership park is "loosely defined," meaning it can be adapted to fit the specific needs of a community.
• It's a Collaboration: The core idea is for the state to work directly with "towns, counties, municipalities, [and] nonprofits" to establish parks that will have the most impact.
• It's Community-Focused: He stressed that a major goal is to ensure the park "is going to fit in really well within the community that it's part of," mentioning that being a "good neighbor" is a top priority for the park service.
• The Partnership Can Take Many Forms: The state can be a partner in multiple ways, including "developing a park, administering a park, or bringing different types of resources, whether they be human or capital."

Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park prepared a booklet outlining the history, significance and unrivaled benefits and opportunities afforded to the entire region by fulfilling the original vision. This booklet was presented to Secretary Kurtz on site. Speaking with our elected officials, there was much excitement and enthusiasm for this vision and the natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself for all to see!

Adding to the excitement, this booklet was presented the following day to Governor Moore at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake. Governor Moore was briefed on the commitment of the citizens of Wicomico to see this promise kept!

Connelly Mill provides an unrivaled opportunity to grow our economy, protect the Paleochannel and vital natural resources while providing much needed access to greenspace to promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing for our most underserved and vulnerable communities. Located less than five miles from the urban center of Salisbury and boasting some of the most unique topographical features in the county, these 234 acres stand to become the Central Park of Wicomico County. We are not out of the woods yet but the spotlight is on Connelly Mill and the momentum is growing!

Related Video: For more discussion on Connelly Mill, County Parks, and environmental matters, watch this episode of Open Agenda TV: S2 E52 Environmental Damage, County Parks and Money Matters from PAC 14. Discussions include the tour by Secretary Kurtz, the concept of partnership parks, and new challenges facing the preservation and original vision for Connelly Mill Park.