Picnics, children's ballgames and a hiking trail could soon become reality in Burkett Park.

Carroll Landscaping has promised Sykesville officials a 45-day completion date for work at the Norris Avenue park.

Because Biller's Fence Craft, original contractor for the $41,695 project, went out of business, the town awarded the bid to the Westminster contractor last week.

"The bid goes to the second bidder, which was only $600 higher than the original," said Town Manager James L. Schumacher.

The town awarded Biller's the contract in October. The disbanded Sykesville company built a backstop for the ball field and planned to complete the remaining work this spring.

Carroll Landscaping will continue the project, which includes grading work and construction of a 60-foot trail and a gazebo.

A Carroll Landscaping crew met briefly with Bill Oler, the town building inspector, two weeks ago and reviewed the plans. Work could begin the work soon, said Mr. Schumacher.

FIRE

* Eldersburg: Winfield responded to a tree on fire in the 4900 block of S. Klee Mill Road at 9:31 p.m. Sunday. They were out for 12 minutes.

Firefighters from Winfield responded to a tree on fire at Favorite Drive and Klee Mill Road at 6:34 p.m. Sunday. They were out for 15 minutes.

Engines from Gamber, Sykesville and Winfield were dispatched to a house fire in the 5200 block of Gate House Court at 6:22 p.m. Sunday. Crews were out for 22 minutes.