by Geoff Fox
The Sideling Hill Scenic Overlook Picnic Area west of Hancock has officially re-opened after county officials and the student who designed the sign held a dedication ceremony on Monday afternoon, July 28.
County commissioners, members of the Washington County Parks and Recreation, Washington County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Sovine, and Boonsboro High School student Aiden Gregg all spoke as folks gathered at the roadside area along Scenic Rt. 40. 
The county took control of the property last year and turned it into the county’s westernmost park with improvements to the picnic tables, parking surface, and especially the view.
With temperatures hovering near 90 degrees, Director of Public Works Andrew Eshleman welcomed everyone to the re-opening of the scenic overlook and picnic area.
The county had opened the park again to the public in 2015, but there had been no substantial investment or maintenance in the years between then and the recent upgrades from the county.
Eshleman said the project represents “the positive outcomes of community collaboration and the real benefits that come from working together to improve our county one place at a time.
He said the project really started last September when County Commissioner Jeff Cline met with Public Works staff at the site to begin improvement planning.
It was one month later when commissioners approved $175,000 for the renovations to the roadside park.
Former commissioner Wayne Keefer, who is from Hancock, also pushed for attention to the park’s condition, partly in response to neighbor’s complaints about roadside dumping there.
The county’s Highway Department replaced several storm drainpipes and assisted with asphalt patching as well as trash and vegetation removal.
Eshleman added the county’s grounds and facility staff completed a majority of the overlook improvements and oversaw the work on the new signs.
He also pointed to Washington County Public Schools’ Career and Technology program, Washington County Public Relations and Marketing, and Sign Here for their contributions to the design and creation of the new sign at the park.
The sign project, Eshleman said, grew out of an encounter through Leadership Washington County where he and Adam Perry, the county’s Career and Technology program’s supervisor, saw firsthand opportunities being offered to county students.
Perry connected Eshleman to Chris Young, Boonsboro’s carpentry teacher, who had the equipment to make the sign and student willing to take on the project.
“While this overlook isn’t a brand new spot on the map, it’s now something more,” Eshleman said. “It’s a destination. A place for both locals and visitors to gather, relax, and take in the incredible views that make this region and Washington County so special.”
Commission President John Barr also spoke and said the project is a “great example” of when community, education, and local pride come together.
The sign itself, Barr said, was designed by Washington County and made through a partnership with Boonsboro High School’s carpentry and architectural program. 
Under Young’s guidance, Gregg brought the sign to life using digital design and CNC programming.
“Aiden, you did a fantastic job and we’re proud to showcase your work,” Barr said to Gregg who was standing off to the side.
Barr added Sign Here is a local business to Washington County and created the logo on the sign.
The park sits along the historic National Road, America’s first federally funded road, but the road itself is not the original.
The original National Road sits below the park. The road was updated in the 1950s, likely adding the overlook.
When Interstate 68 was opened in the 1980s, the county took control of Scenic Rt. 40, Barr said.
Barr said as the county and country look to celebrate their 250th anniversary next year, Washington County is celebrating by investing in projects that honor the county’s past and inspire the future.
“This new sign does just that, telling a story showcasing young talent and adding beauty to a place that means so much to our community,” Barr said.
Commissioner Jeff Cline said when he came up last year with staff, the area was considered a mess.
“This was county property and we should take care of our property like we require our citizens to do,” Cline said.
He also noted when he traveled west to see family, his family stopped at the park on their way back to Williamsport.
“This was a nice stop for us and others to sit and contemplate and look out at the beautiful scenery,” Cline added.
Sovine also addressed those in attendance, thanking the county for their partnership with Washington County Public Schools.
The sign dedication, he said, was a “powerful example” of how public education and community partnerships can come together to create something meaningful.
The collaboration reflected true innovation as it took a renovation project into a hands-on project for students.
He also thanked Gregg for sharing his vision, skills, and talents with the county.
“I’m so impressed with how you’ve shared and applied your skills in ways that will be visible to thousands of visitors for years to come,” Sovine said.
Gregg also took a minute to speak about the project.
Gregg said he was grateful to be part of the project and through his classes, he was able to contribute to the design, fabrication, and machine programming of the final sign.
“It was a meaningful opportunity to apply classroom skills to something real and lasting,” he said.
The experience taught Gregg not only design and fabrication, but also how projects like this can have positive impacts on a community.
“It’s exciting to know that something I helped create will be seen and appreciated by so many,” Gregg said.
