Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The 17th annual plunge where participants run into the chilly Chesapeake Bay will take place on Jan. 26, 2013, at Sandy Point State Park.
Before you know it, 2013 will be here and so will the annual Maryland State Police (MSP) Polar Bear Plunge. Each year, thousands take a quick dip in the Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland. The Plungefest, which is open to the public, is set for Jan. 26, 2013, at Sandy Point State Park. Frigid Friday for participating schools will take place the day before the Plungefest. To participate in the plunge, you must collect a minimum of $50 in pledges—and if you're younger than 18, you must have a parent or guardian's written consent. It's still early but more than $200,000 has already been raised for Special Olympics Maryland to date, according to the event's website that also has a running countdown until the event. …
Monday, July 30, 2012
High bacteria levels were detected in the east beach at Sandy Point State Park.
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued an advisory Monday for swimmers to avoid Sandy Point State Park's east beach, due to high levels of bacteria. Signs have been posted along the east beach noting the advisory to the public. "The Department advises people who have come in contact with the affected water to wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed. The advisory does not affect picnicking, boating or camping at the beach," the release stated. The conditions of the south beach are acceptable, according to the advisory. It's only the east beach that shows high levels of bacteria. Sandy Point State Park, located at the eastern tip of the Broadneck peninsula, is a popular summer retreat for …
Friday, July 6, 2012
It's that time of year again, so watch where you swim—or walk.
Swarms of jellyfish, or sea nettles, have returned in full force to the Chesapeake Bay, according to reports from local environmentalists. The migration of jellyfish throughout the Chesapeake Bay can be seen in a real-time forecasting chart hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This season is expected to spike, but so far the jellyfish projections are on par with previous years, according to Sandy Point State Park Ranger Kenny Hartman. Hartman said the state park which doubles as a popular beach, has just started getting reports and sightings of jellyfish. "It's not bad right now, but it will get worse as the salinity in the water gets higher, especially because of the lack of rain," Hartman said. When it rains, …
Friday, June 22, 2012
A night of fun is planned at the park for all ages this weekend.
Sandy Point State Park is inviting the community for a night under the stars at the park this weekend. What: The Great American Backyard Campout When: 10 a.m. Saturday Where: Sandy Point State Park Cost: $25 per family (up to six people) From the press release: "We invite you to enjoy a fun and relaxing evening of tent camping, Scales and Tales demonstrations, Owl Prowls, and campfire programs. Limited space available. This year we will also be celebrating our 60th anniversary and the Grand Opening of the Nature Center on Saturday, June 23. Families are allowed to tent camp only and supply their own food and drinks. Picnic tables and grills will be available to use. S’mores will be provided. Both alcohol and pets are not permitted." …
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Sandy Point State Park
1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD
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Sandy Point rangers have converted an unused room into a nature center, filled with wildlife for the whole family to enjoy. The center officially opens on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
The longest day of the year is quickly approaching. What will you do to celebrate?
The summer solstice is the one day each year with the longest amount of daylight, and it’s coming up on Wednesday, June 20. You may want to take advantage of those extra sunny hours with a trip to the beach, a backyard barbecue or one of these local ways to celebrate the summer solstice. That could mean a trip to Sandy Point State Park's beach, on the tip of the Broadneck peninsula. While there, be sure to keep an eye out for any beached jellyfish. Their numbers are expected to swell this summer. You and the family could also take a hike or bike trip along the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail, 3 miles of which runs along the spine of the Broadneck peninsula. The trail is perfect for bikers, so if you're up to going a little further, it runs a …
Monday, June 18, 2012
You may see more jellyfish than normal on beaches this summer.
If you've never experienced the misfortune of a jellyfish sting, this summer could be your big chance. The Capital reports that environmental experts expect a "somewhat abundant year" in terms of jellyfish due to a dry, hot spring. The weather conditions are similar to 2006, when the jellyfish population became extremely high, but also similar to 2009 when it did not change the population much. Ultimately, it's up to the weather conditions and the salt content in the water that will determine how far jellyfish will migrate. Sandy Point State Park Ranger Dorna Cooper told The Capital that so far, there haven't been any sightings of jellyfish. But if you're out jogging barefoot along the shore at Sandy Point State Park this summer, keep an …
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Firefighters and community members were recognized for their bravery at Tuesday night's awards ceremony at Earleigh Heights Fire Hall.
Firefighters and citizens received awards for their bravery and quick thinking in dangerous situations at Tuesday night's 2012 awards ceremony hosted by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department. Families, friends and local dignitaries came to applaud about 100 fire department personnel, rescue workers, residents and partner organizations who were recognized for their assistance in lifesaving efforts. Lifeguards at Sandy Point State Park were honored for performing lifesaving CPR on a drowning victim at the park. Chief Michael Cox, fire department spokesman, welcomed the crowd to the ceremony. Fire Chief John Robert Ray then spoke of the dedication by the honorees to the community and their jobs. "I reflect back on this past year and feel …
Monday, March 19, 2012
The annual blues festival kicks off in May. Tickets are on sale now.
With the addition of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the lineup for the 2012 Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival is complete. A total of 20 bands will perform May 19-20 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. “This might be our strongest lineup yet,” said founder Don Hooker. Last year's event drew thousands of blues fans to the shores of the state park in Broadneck. The festival's 2012 lineup includes: Tickets for the festival are on sale online now at www.bayblues.org or by calling 1-800-514-3849. Fans can also "like" the event on its Facebook page, and get updated when there are announcements. From the press release: Chesapeake Bay Events held its first festival in 1998. It has quickly gained national notoriety as one of the premiere Blues …
39.021714
-76.420326
Sandy Point State Park
1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD
/articles/chesapeake-bay-blues-festival-finalizes-its-2012-lineup
1519199
/locations/6618378
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Promotional photos will be shot this week at Sandy Point State Park and registration is now open for the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 28, 2012.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
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Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Members of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will take a "practice plunge" in the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point State Park this week. The plunge will be photographed to create a promotional poster for the upcoming Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge to be held Jan. 28, 2012. The poster will be distributed to local businesses, retail outlets and law enforcement and correctional agencies to recruit people to sign up for the plunge that raises money for Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD). About 140 people will take part Wednesday morning in the photo that will depict uniformed law enforcement and correctional officers standing waist-deep in the water with uniforms on, according to a release from SOMD. The group to be …
