Anne Arundel County to Unveil Quiet Waters Park Plans on Nov 18

Anne Arundel County officials will unveil the completed design for the 19.4-acre Quiet Waters Park Retreat property during a public meeting on Wednesday, November 18.

The presentation, scheduled for 6 p.m., aims to finalize plans for the parcel before construction begins on the land adjacent to the existing regional park.

Residents can attend the session at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library, located at 269 Hillsmere Drive in Annapolis, to review the schematic designs. According to reporting from eyeonannapolis.net, the meeting serves as a formal opportunity for the community to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed improvements.

The expansion will integrate the 19.4-acre site into the broader 340-acre Quiet Waters Park system. Rather than introducing heavy infrastructure or new buildings, the county intends to develop the area as a low-impact natural space. This approach follows a guiding principle described by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks to “Keep It Natural, Make It Native!”

The proposed development focuses on habitat restoration and trail-based discovery. Plans include the creation of scenic overlooks that provide views of Loden Pond and the South River. To maintain the area’s character, the county intends to utilize low-impact walking trails that wind through existing meadows and forests.

Specific environmental features in the design include:

Designated pollinator habitats to support local biodiversity.
Protected natural areas to shield sensitive ecosystems.
A rehabilitated boathouse platform.
Informal spaces specifically designed to preserve specimen trees and protect sensitive slopes.

The Anne Arundel County Government notes that no new buildings are planned for the property. This decision allows the land to remain largely undeveloped while offering residents additional space for wildlife observation and passive recreation.

While the project emphasizes preservation, it changes how the public will use the former retreat property. By prioritizing “naturalistic amenities” over traditional recreational structures, the county is betting on a model of land use that favors ecological health alongside public access.

The design process for the project began in 2026, building upon a previously established Master Plan developed by GFT, Inc. The upcoming meeting on November 18 is a critical step in the transition from the design phase to active construction.

If the plans move forward following the public comment period, improvements are expected to commence in approximately one year. The county anticipates that the full expansion of the Quiet Waters Park Retreat will be completed by the spring of 2028.

The public meeting remains the primary venue for residents to weigh in on the specific placement of trails and the protection of the South River viewshed. Following the presentation of the schematic design, the Department of Recreation and Parks will host a question-and-answer session to address resident concerns regarding the project’s impact on the existing park ecosystem.

Keep reading