Residents would like to see trails, a kayak launch, fishing docks, a shooting range, disc golf and more in Harford County’s planned 1,200-acre park between Aberdeen and Havre de Grace.

Oakington Park — located on the Oakington Peninsula — is comprised of numerous contiguous, county-owned properties including Swan Harbor Farm, the Carlson-Feltman Conservation Area, Belle Vue Farm, Eleanor and Millard Tydings Park and the Mullins Property.

A public meeting in June and a two-month comment submission period is helping county officials plan a network of parks and trails on the property that includes more than two miles of Chesapeake Bay waterfront.

Through the meeting and the submission period, 179 residents contributed. A trail system for walking, hiking and mountain biking was among the top requests from residents, as was a kayak launch area.

Other suggestions included trail connections to local and regional trails; additional water access through fishing docks and waterfront trails; a nature and history exhibit; disk golf course; a skate park; a hockey rink; pavilions; a shooting range; spot for swimming and non-paved trails or surfaces.

Concerns voiced by residents included disruptions to wildlife and the environment through runoff, litter and noise; increased traffic and visitation to the area; over development of the park; parking and the concern that all motorized water crafts should be banned to keep the water peaceful.

The park system features more than 500 acres of forest, more than 210 acres of wetlands and is home to more than 260 species of birds.

County officials said the next step in the planning process is to complete a map of the potential uses for different areas within the park system. Once complete, the map will be presented at a community meeting in the spring to collect additional feedback.

Plans for the park are preliminary. A completion date has not yet been determined.

“We are excited about the potential for active and passive recreation on the Oakington Peninsula, including a system of interconnected waterfront parks and trails that will be a jewel in our state and the region,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said in a county news release. “I would like to thank everyone who contributed their ideas to help us begin planning for this amazing opportunity to attract visitors and enhance the quality of life in Harford County.”

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