Politics & Government

State Signs Off on Troy Park Study in Elkridge

Maryland Stadium Authority can proceed with its economic analysis of the proposed tennis center.

Would a stadium make sense in Elkridge?

The Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) plans to find out. On Friday, it received legislative approval to conduct a study of Troy Park, the tennis complex and regional park proposed north of MD 100 at US 1.

MSA facilitates sports and entertainment projects in Maryland. One of its roles is conducting feasability studies, and that is exactly what Howard County government asked it to do.

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The group that proposed Troy Park—Howard County Tennis Patrons (HCTP)—has no doubt the ball is in its court. “If you see the project and try to punch holes in it, it’s difficult,” said HCTP chair Mike Rowe at a recent board meeting.

The tennis complex would contain an 8,000-seat stadium and regulation tennis courts, within a 106-acre regional park that, according to the county's FY 2012 budget, "is a key component to the US 1 corridor revitalization effort."

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Asked on July 25 why the county wasn't moving forward with plans, County Executive Ken Ulman said, "It's that stadium. And the challenge is making sure there are enough events to make that stadium a viable investment."

That's where stadium authority comes in.

MSA Project Executive Gary McGuigan explained: “Howard County has asked us to study the economic impact of the proposed tennis facility at Troy Park and also look at complementary recreational uses."

After formally requesting to conduct a Troy Park feasibility study, the MSA got the go-ahead from state legislators on Friday afternoon, said McGuigan.

"A favorable study should assist Howard County Tennis Patrons in lining up private financing," said county spokesman Kevin Enright.

The study is expected to be complete by winter 2011, said McGuigan.

"If we don’t get funding, we’ll do it the following year; and if we don't get funding the following year, then we'll get it ten years from now," said HCTP president Art Tollick. "In our mind, it's going to get built."


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