SALISBURY, Md. — Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano is clearing the air about the State of Maryland’s newly announced Wetipquin Creek State Park, asserting that the county played no role in the land acquisition process.
The proposed Wetipquin Creek State Park, which will be Wicomico County’s first-ever state park, marks a significant investment in recreation and conservation. But according to Giordano, the $3.3 million purchase of roughly 445 acres — including the historic Long Hill estate — was exclusively carried out by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
“This project is entirely a State of Maryland initiative,” said Giordano in a public statement released Tuesday. “It has no affiliation with Wicomico County Government or with my office.”
The Maryland Board of Public Works formally approved the acquisition, buying the land from property owner Donald Graham. While Giordano did attend the virtual meeting, she described her participation as “a procedural formality” and stressed that the deal had already been finalized prior to the session.
“Wicomico County played no role in the negotiation, approval, or funding of this transaction,” she said.
The land includes the Long Hill plantation house, a site with historical significance dating back to the Revolutionary era. Graham, who inherited the property, invested heavily in restoring the home and adding buildings built in historically accurate styles. Giordano emphasized that decisions involving private land — including its sale — are solely up to the property owner.
“The county has absolutely no say in such private decisions,” she said.
The future park is expected to feature:
The restored Long Hill house
A variety of unique ecological habitats
Programming focused on conservation, local history, and outdoor activities
In recent weeks, Giordano says misinformation online has suggested that Wicomico County was involved in the deal. Giordano urged locals to consult official channels for updates.
“Let me be clear: the funding and oversight for this acquisition are entirely under the jurisdiction of the State of Maryland,” she said.
Local people are encouraged to follow state announcements and the Maryland DNR for future developments related to the park.
