ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, along with Howard County Recreation and Parks and the Howard County Office of Community Sustainability, today announced Savage Park has received the first “AGZA” certification from The American Green Zone Alliance. Howard County is the first jurisdiction in the State of Maryland to be AGZA certified. Photos from the event can be seen here.
Howard County has become a leader in the state and region through its fight against climate change. Transformation starts locally, and through the county’s Climate Forward: Climate Action and Resiliency Plan that I launched in 2023, we are continuing to make progress towards our climate goals. The peaceful experience you enjoy while walking, playing, or simply relaxing here at Savage Park is now even more serene – thanks to these electric hand-held tools.
AGZA Certified Green Zones are a defined property or collection of properties on which routine landscape maintenance is performed with low-impact equipment and people-powered tools. AGZA Green Zone Certification establishes municipalities, academic institutions, school districts, and private industry as models of low-impact land care for their communities. Certification also strengthens environmental leadership and sets examples for clean, quiet, and sustainable landscape maintenance practices in their regions and beyond.
"I want to congratulate Howard County for establishing the first AGZA Certified Green Zone in the great state of Maryland,” said Dan Mabe, CEO and President of AGZA. “Howard County has taken a lead by example approach based on the needs of county operations, their landscape maintenance workforce, and the community."
The County purchased battery-powered hedgers, leaf blowers, and trimmers that will be used and stored at Savage Park. It is the first AGZA Green Zone Certified Park in Maryland.
“This new equipment improves working conditions for our staff and takes significant steps towards Howard County reducing the negative impacts of gas-powered maintenance equipment on our environment,” said Nick Mooneyhan, Director, Howard County Recreation and Parks. “This transition highlights our commitment to sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”
In addition to a more than $8,500 cost savings on fuel and maintenance during the first five years that can be attributed to this transition at Savage Park, there are other critical benefits to consider. Each year, the switch to this new battery-operated equipment will:
- Eliminate an estimated 570 pounds of toxic and carcinogenic emissions, including 43 pounds of ozone-forming exhaust;
- Remove 1,125 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions—the equivalent of what 23 mature trees absorb in a year; and
- Prevent potential spills of gas and oil that could seep into our soil and aquifers.
“We are doing all this – and more – not just because of climate and sustainability imperatives, but also because a cleaner and greener environment enhances the quality of life for our community,” said Tim Lattimer, Administrator, Howard County Office of Community Sustainability.
This official launch is the result of thoughtful planning and sustained effort. In February 2024, 25 staff members from the Department of Recreation & Parks underwent rigorous training and became certified as AGZA Electric Landscaping Professionals. Training covered everything from operating, charging, and maintaining battery-electric lawn and garden tools, to understanding safety protocols and developing new procedures for commercial use. They carefully tested equipment, selected the best fit for the county’s needs, and ensured the proper infrastructure was in place to support this transition.
"I applaud Howard County for recognizing the value of reducing noise and improving the quality of life in their community. Additionally, taking action that improves working conditions demonstrates the value Howard County places on the health of its employees and its contractors,” stated Quiet Communities Founder Jamie Banks.
About Savage Park
Savage Park was completed in 1982. It contains 2.8 miles of interconnecting trails, including links to Patuxent Branch Trail. Within the park are five ball diamonds, two basketball courts, two horseshoe pits, a picnic pavilion, four lighted tennis courts, two volleyball courts, a restroom facility, and a playground. The current playground opened in November 2021. Trout fishing is enjoyed on the Little Patuxent.