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Harford County’s preliminary plan for the Oakington Peninsula Park System highlights the county-owned waterfront lands at Swan Harbor Farm, Belle Vue Farm, Tydings Park, the Mullins property and Carlson-Feltman Conservation Area. (Harford County)
Harford County unveils plans for Oakington Peninsula park
Listen to this articleHarford County Executive Bob Cassilly’s administration has published a preliminary plan for the Oakington Peninsula Park System, a 1,400-acre property located between Aberdeen and Havre de Grace.
Oakington park plans were unveiled following public input and extensive collaboration with community partners, county officials said, adding that the waterfront property is rich in natural and cultural resources.
According to a release, the property also contains contiguous county-owned parkland at Swan Harbor Farm, Belle Vue Farm, Eleanor and Millard Tydings Park, the Mullins property and the Carlson-Feltman Conservation Area. A preliminary map of the Oakington park system plan is on the county website.
“The Oakington Peninsula is rich in natural, historical and cultural resources and we look forward to an amazing park system that will become a crown jewel of the Mid-Atlantic region,” Cassilly said.
“I would like to thank my county departments of parks and recreation, planning and zoning and public works, our community and municipal partners, our rec councils, APG, local historians, nature enthusiasts, and everyone who contributed to this exciting draft.”
At one time, Belle Vue Farm was slated for development but now all 1400+ acres on the peninsula are owned by Harford County government. The purchase of Belle Vue in 2020 was completed in partnership with Harford Land Trust, Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The park system map draft outlines potential locations of historical and environmental features on the property, including:
- Land and water trails that connect to Havre de Grace
- Bird sanctuary along with fishing and water access
- Agricultural, historical, and conservation demonstration areas
- Nature center and welcome center
- Event space and a camping area
- Playgrounds and picnic area
The park system will be developed with public involvement in phases over the next 15-plus years. Discussions will begin with the development of the walking trail system, county officials said.
