Photo by Jody Couser, Chesapeake Conservancy via Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved more than $5.2 million to advance the stateโ€™s commitment to buy a waterfront property near two historic beaches in Annapolis.

Governor Hogan announced plans to turn the 5.17-acre property near Carrโ€™s Beach and Sparrowโ€™s Beach into a public park last month. 

Carrโ€™s and Sparrowโ€™s Beaches served the Black community during segregation, when they were prohibited from using other beaches. 

Carrโ€™s Beach, known as the โ€œBeach,โ€ once hosted prominent musicians such as The Temptations and Ike and Tina Turner. 

โ€œMy mother and many African Americans visited Carrโ€™s Beach between the 1940s and 1960s to enjoy concerts and recreation, and I am pleased that we will be providing new opportunities for future generations to make lasting memories,โ€ said Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford in a statement. 

The acquisition will be funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources through Program Open Space funds and Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure funds.