Dear Friends of Connelly Mill Park, we wanted to share some incredibly exciting news with you on our path to protect this precious place! 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 with Secretary Kurtz, Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Delegate Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, Town Manager of Delmar Jeff Fleetwood, Town of Delmar Planning and Zoning Director Twain Evanson, and Director of Recreation Parks and Tourism Steve Miller to discuss the importance of this place and how the State can help to bring it to life.
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! In the coming weeks, we will be following up with all the public officials who attended the tour and the Governor as well. We invite you to read the booklet that was presented, which you can find at https://www.saveconnellymillpark.com/2025-09-connelly-mill-booklet.pdf or visit our web version https://www.saveconnellymillpark.com/booklet Please stay tuned for more updates!