Dorchester County is seeking bids to install a new 18-hole disc golf course at Egypt Park in Cambridge, a project officials say would expand year-round recreation at one of the county’s busiest parks.
The County Council on Tuesday approved a request from the Department of Recreation and Parks to advertise a request for proposals for the course installation. The county will solicit proposals from qualified vendors to provide the labor, materials, equipment, and expertise needed to build the course. Bids are due Jan. 30.
Played by throwing flying discs into metal baskets, disc golf has grown in popularity across Maryland and the region in recent years. County officials said the sport can draw casual players and organized leagues and may attract visitors who travel to play multiple courses.
The county has not announced a projected completion date or cost estimate. Those details will depend on the proposals received.
AED purchases and outdoor cabinets approved
The Council also approved two purchases to expand access to automated external defibrillators at parks and athletic complexes.
In the first action, the council approved a bid award to purchase outdoor wall and tower cabinets for six AED units, selecting the second-lowest bidder for $26,400. Staff said the recommended proposal was chosen for universal compatibility, smart monitoring technology, flexible power and connectivity, and superior warranty and support services.
The cabinets will support AED installations at the Truitt Athletic Complex, the Fourth Street Athletic Complex, and Price Rock Park, according to staff remarks. One unit initially planned for those sites was later moved to Salem.
In the second action, the Council approved the purchase of six LifePak CR2 AEDs through a state contract, with the devices supplied by Stryker for $8,500.
Both purchases will be funded through the North Dorchester Health Services Fund, which staff said was transferred to the county in September 2025.
“Be so proud of something we’ll hope we never need, but that insurance policy will be there,” Council Vice President Tom Detmer said, thanking staff and volunteers involved.
Rails-to-Trails project moves forward
The council approved advertising a request for proposals for the Cambridge Rails-to-Trails project from Washington Street to Woods Road, with a bid deadline of Feb. 11.
Council members also voted to accept a Green Space Equity Program grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to support the project. Staff said the grant requires no local match and has a four-year performance period.
Strategic plan public hearings set for late January
County Manager Jerry Jones reminded residents that the county will hold three public hearings on its strategic planning process later this month and said surveys will also be released soon.
The meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 26, at the Church Creek Fire Company; Jan. 27, at the East New Market Fire Company; and Jan. 28, at the public library in Cambridge.
Jones said the county will publicize the dates and encouraged broad participation.
Budget transparency initiative
Jones said the county is developing a public-facing budget book to make it easier for residents to track county finances and year-to-year budget changes. He said the finance director and staff are working on the project and will build on it over time as part of the county’s budget process.
Property transfer for emergency communications
The Council voted to proceed with an agreement to transfer real property from the Dorchester County Board of Education so the county can acquire 1101 Maces Lane in Cambridge for public safety communications infrastructure, including a communications tower.
Thanks from the Hurlock mayor
Hurlock Mayor Earl Murphy thanked the council for assistance during a major water main break earlier in the day, saying the county notification system was used to alert residents and travelers, helping the town respond quickly.
Murphy also thanked the county for help addressing recycling issues involving Republic Services, noting that some recycling bins remain in disrepair and asking officials to consider additional bin placements as the town works to improve the recycling site.
He said he looks forward to continued collaboration between the town and the county.
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