(3/23) Senior Tax Program Set for Walkersville

The Town of Walkersville will host a Senior Tax Program on Tuesday March 14. The event will take place at the Walkersville Public Library 2 S. Glade Road starting at 10 a.m. Representatives from the Frederick County Treasury Office will be present to discuss the Walkersville Senior Tax credit. The Walkersville senior Tax Credit was first introduced in 2021 and benefits local homeowners age 65 and over. The amount of the Walkersville tax credit is 50 percent of the net Town tax.

In addition to homeowners earning this tax credit, qualified homeowners can also earn the State Homeowner Tax Credit and County Senior Tax Credit. All three can be obtained by completing a single State Homeowner Tax Credit application. Representatives will be on hand to discuss these potential tax credits, qualifications, and the application process.

For additional information, homeowners can contact the Town for information on the Town’s tax credit or the County Treasury Department for information on the State, County, and Town tax credits. The County Treasury Department can be reached at 301-600-1111 or by email at treasuryquestions@frederickcountymd.gov.

Town Considers Addition of Second Entrance to Heritage Farm Park

For some time, the Parks Commission has been considering installing a second entrance to Heritage Farm Park. Navigating the current one-way looped road of Heritage Farm Park can be difficult, especially during sports seasons.

The possibility of a second entrance was initially brought up after the Park’s interest survey was completed last fall, with Burgess Chad Weddle expressing interest in using grant money for another entrance rather than other suggestions like a skate park or dog park. However, it appears that this will be in addition to other ideas. "It is going to be an expensive proposition," said Commissioner Brodie-Ennis, "but as the burgess said to me, we have the money."

After potential plans are reviewed by engineers, the Town will decide whether the second entrance will be used for emergencies only or open for public access.

Discussion Continues Over Parks Interest Survey

In the fall, the Parks Commission conducted an online interest survey regarding future park projects. Suggestions made by approximately 150 residents have now been narrowed down to several potential projects, including a skate park, dog park, foot golf course, and improvements to walking trails. Foot golf currently lies at the top of the list, a game combining soccer and golf which consists of large "holes" or "buckets" placed in the ground which a soccer ball can be maneuvered into.

Parks Commission members have voted to install three "buckets" in order to determine whether the course will actually be used. In addition, commission member Kevin Conley questioned whether any additional sports fields for baseball or soccer are needed, but GVAA has expressed no such interest.

In addition, Commissioner Brodie-Ennis states that the town is in favor of keeping more open, multi-use space rather than adding more fields. This may include transitioning certain parts of the park into "passive" areas, where visitors can freely walk, sit, read, or play.