Leonardtown’s best kept secret is that we are a waterfront town. The Council and I are hoping to change this little known fact by working to revitalize the waterfront and to build on that important piece of our history. The Leonardtown Wharf public park is currently under construction, and everyday I hear from residents who say the wharf has never looked more beautiful! Just wait until the park is complete! This project will be a huge asset to the entire County tourism industry as well as a wonderful place for Leonardtown residents to visit with their families. If you haven’t seen the progress recently, drive by and take a look.

Another exciting project that is moving forward is the Port of Leonardtown. This is a joint venture of the Town and the St. Mary’s County Commissioners to open a winery co-op and a public park on McIntosh Run. Many people drive by the old State Highway property on Rt. 5 and have never noticed the potential of the park tucked by the stream. For the last several years the Town has worked on cleaning up the property and securing the existing buildings. In 2001 a canoe/kayak launch was built with a grant from the Dept. of Natural Resources. This is the beginning of a beautiful, serene paddle to the Leonardtown Wharf. The completion of the Wharf public park and the Port of Leonardtown will connect a 3-mile stretch of waterfront with a park at each end, and the potential for additional small parks along the way.

The Town Council and I are thrilled with the many wonderful things that are happening in Leonardtown! I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the current Board of County Commissioners whose partnership with the Town in these important projects has been invaluable. We look forward to continuing this partnership.

J. Harry Norris, III, Mayor