Discovery Village: A Rare Opportunity for South County’s Arts and Maritime Future

On the shores of Parish Creek in Shady Side sits a property unlike anything else in southern Anne Arundel County: the 7+ acre Discovery Village site, with direct access to the Chesapeake Bay, a public boat ramp, expansive parking, and a large two-story building that could become one of the most important cultural spaces in South County.

Right now, this property is for sale and Anne Arundel County has a rare chance to purchase it—for boaters, yes, but also for the artists, craftspeople, and creative community who have long made the southern part of this county their home, and who have had precious little to show for it in the way of dedicated space.

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“South County has one of the most vibrant concentrations of working artists in the region — and almost nowhere to gather, show, or create together.”

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More than a boat ramp

For many residents, Discovery Village is already essential because of its public boat ramp. In a county with miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline, there are shockingly few free public launch sites. Discovery Village is one of only two such ramps available to the public in Anne Arundel County — and the only one serving the southern portion of the county. Commercial watermen, recreational anglers, kayakers, sailors, and families all depend on this access to the Chesapeake Bay.

The importance of the site became painfully clear in July 2025, when the county backed out of its 30-year lease agreement with the property owner. Public access to the boat ramp was terminated immediately. The backlash from South County residents was swift and passionate. Community members organized, spoke out publicly, and demanded restoration of access. Their advocacy made an impact: the county ultimately negotiated a new 21-month lease beginning in October 2025.

But a temporary lease is not a permanent solution. It is borrowed time.

The larger conversation now must move beyond simply preserving the boat ramp. Discovery Village offers something far greater: the chance to create a true arts and cultural center for southern Anne Arundel County.

What the building could become

The large two-story structure on the Discovery Village property is not part of the county’s current lease, which covers only the parking lot and boat ramp. The building sits there. And what a building it is — though in current disrepair, it is generous, flexible, and set on acres of waterfront land in one of the most scenically beautiful corners of the county.

South County is home to an extraordinary number of artists, musicians, craftspeople, writers, photographers, and makers. Yet despite that creative energy, there are remarkably few affordable spaces for studios, exhibitions, performances, classes, or community gatherings. Artists often work in isolation or travel outside South County to find opportunities that should exist here at home. We at Muddy Creek Artists Guild face an increasingly difficult time finding available, affordable venues of the appropriate size to house our popular shows and sales.

Discovery Village could change that.

Imagine the possibilities:

• Working artist studios

• Rotating gallery exhibitions

• Chesapeake-inspired arts programming

• Workshops for children and adults

• Maritime heritage exhibits

• Performance and event spaces

• Community festivals

• Partnerships with local schools and nonprofits

• A destination that blends art, culture, and the waterfront identity of South County

Very few places can simultaneously serve boaters, artists, environmental educators, tourists, and local families. Discovery Village can.

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“This building, on this water, in this community — there is no substitute for it. When it goes, it goes.”

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How it gets paid for

The honest answer is that the county may not be able to do this alone, and it should not have to. Large public projects are rarely funded by one source alone. There is already verbal support from at least one state representative for using state funds as part of a purchase. A combination of county funding, state support, grants, nonprofit partnerships, and private fundraising could make acquisition and redevelopment possible. What is needed now is political will.

That means elections matter. Candidates who understand the cultural and economic value of arts infrastructure — who will go to Annapolis and make the case for this property — are the candidates who deserve your support. Ask where they stand on Discovery Village. Make it a litmus test.

The window is short

The 21-month lease runs out. The property remains listed for sale. Private buyers are not sentimental about waterfront acreage in Anne Arundel County. The moment a private sale closes, this conversation ends — permanently. There will be no second chance to acquire this land, no equivalent property waiting in the wings, no do-over. The creek will still be there. The community will still be there. But this opportunity will not.

The future of Discovery Village depends on electing county and state leaders who understand that public spaces matter—not just for parks and roads, but places where culture, community, and access to the Chesapeake come together.

Artists should care deeply about this fight.

Because this is not only about preserving a boat ramp. It is about preserving the identity of South County itself: its connection to the water, its creative spirit, and its sense of community.

Discovery Village could become a defining public space for generations to come.

But only if the county acts soon — and only if the people of South County make clear, loudly and persistently, that this is what they want their government to do.

The primary election is June 23^rd. Before you cast your ballot for County Executive and County Council member in your district consider long and hard the candidate’s position on acquiring Discovery Village. Pete Smith and James Kitchin, both running for County Executive, have publicly pledged support to purchase the property. If you don’t know where other candidates stand, contact them and ask. Our votes, and voices, matter.