Perry Hall Councilman David Marks’s open space efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association.

Marks was honored with the 2013 Community Volunteer Award, it was announced Thursday, by the decades-old association.

"We are delighted to honor Councilman Marks for his longtime work as a champion for open space and local recreation," Jeffrey W. Smith, the association’s vice president, said in a release.

Full disclosure: Jeffrey Smith is a weekly Perry Hall Patch contributor. Read his latest column here.

Marks was recognized by the association for his efforts in launching the pedestrian bike advisory committee, as well as his focus on protecting Perry Hall open space—49 acres to be exact—by creating a new zoning designation precisely for open space.

"During these tough economic times, I have done everything possible to improve our park system and expand recreational opportunities for Baltimore County's citizens," Marks said in the release.  "I would like to thank the members of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association for their hard work, as well as the countless volunteers, little league coaches, and moms and dads who support programs throughout the state."

Find out what else your local Councilman has done to preserve open space and support outdoor recreation:

• PHIA Meeting: Marks Talks Development, Open Space
• Marks: Creating a Zoning Designation for Open Space
• Marks: New Laws Protect Open Space, Reform Development
• Perry Hall's New Greenways: 38 Additional Acres of Open Space
• Marks: Moving Forward with Indian Rock Park
• Marks: Creating a New Greenway in Perry Hall

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