College Park

Analysis: In UMD golf course debate, open space matters. So what is open space?

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In the contentious debate over a proposal to build athletic field facilities on the University of Maryland Golf Course, defenders of the links have settled around two rhetorical framing devices. One is concerned with maintaining the golf course in its present operational state: 18 holes and a driving range with easy access to and from the clubhouse. But another, broader argument is concerned with preserving the golf course as a source of “open space.” This argument is frequently employed by nearby non-golfing residents who oppose redevelopment of the course. This argument is a tool, one that indicates to others why they should value the presence of a golf course in their neighborhood, despite perhaps not golfing themselves.

Loh’s resignation shocks Prince George’s officials

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Wallace Loh’s decision to resign as president of the University of Maryland has angered local elected leaders. They hailed Loh’s work to bridge a gap between the university and the communities that surround it. Loh’s resignation comes as the University of Maryland grapples with several scandals within the school’s athletic department, including the death of athlete Jordan McNair during a football practice and a scathing ESPN report alleging a toxic culture within the school’s football program. “I’m disappointed and upset,” said College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn in an interview. “It’s a real shame.

College Park

College Park residents weigh in on future city hall

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What should College Park’s next city hall look like? How should it function, and how should it mesh with surrounding downtown College Park neighborhoods? Architects and designers hired by the city of College Park tried to glean answers to these questions from a small group of city residents during a Sept. 27, 2018, design exercise held at College Park’s current City Hall. The event was led by representatives of architectural firm Design Collective, which was recently hired by the city for $1.3 million to design the planned building, which will also share space with University of Maryland offices.

College Park

College Park childcare center takes shape

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College Park City Council is getting a chance to weigh in on designs for a University of Maryland childcare facility planned for the site of the former Calvert Road School. At its worksession Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, College Park City Council will receive a presentation of the proposed designs for the UMD Childcare Center. In 2015, College Park City Council agreed to work with university officials to develop the childcare facility. Years ago, the building was the site of College Park Elementary School, then became the College Park Friends School on Calvert Road.

Adelphi

UMD proposal irks golfers, but not SGA president

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Before a crowd of golfers, nearby residents and a single undergraduate student, a University of Maryland official tried to make the case for a proposed expansion of sports fields that would impact the campus’ 18-hole golf course. Specifically, the proposal calls for the construction of a new track and field facility plus several recreational sports fields to support the university’s intramural sports leagues. The forthcoming Purple Line light rail will cut through and displace the university’s existing track and field throwing area, where events such as discus and javelin are held. The proposal was discussed during a August 24, 2018, forum hosted by the university at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center. University of Maryland vice president of administration and finance Carlo Colella said during the forum the proposed recreational sports fields are needed to bring the university up to par with other peer institutions and to make it easier to schedule intramural sports events.