Sugarloaf Mountain to reopen on Tuesday with more security

Gabrielle Lewis, The Frederick News-Post, Md.
·2 min read

Oct. 9—Sugarloaf Mountain will reopen on Tuesday after being closed to the public for over a month in response to a break-in attempt at Strong Mansion in August.

Stronghold, the nonprofit owner of Sugarloaf Mountain, announced on its website new conditions that will be implemented when the property reopens, including enhanced security and some parking restrictions.

Stronghold announced on Aug. 22 that the entire property would be closed until further notice after an attempted burglary at Strong Mansion.

At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Aug. 19, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office received a call for a reported burglary at the mansion. At the scene, deputies found that nothing had been stolen, and the burglar had fled.

Deputies collected some physical evidence, including swabs of the burglar's blood for possible DNA identification.

In a news release from the sheriff's office the day Stronghold closed its property, John Webster, the president of Stronghold's board of trustees, said the organization would focus on "reassessing the security needs" for the entire property.

Security cameras have been installed in key locations on the property, according to Stronghold's website. Photos will be taken of all vehicles that enter the property, including tag numbers.

Additionally, directional traffic control spikes have been installed to prevent vehicles from going the wrong way up the mountain exit road.

The park will be open from 8 a.m. to sunset, and the entrance gate will close at 4 p.m.

Visitors will no longer be allowed to park in the crossroads in front of the mountain entrance to prevent loitering, after-hours entry onto Stronghold's property and inappropriately parked vehicles in the intersection.

The change will also provide an area for emergency medical services vehicles during emergencies, according to the website.

Visitors must park in designated spaces, and no roadside parking is allowed. Any vehicles parked on the property after sunset will be towed.

Stronghold requests that people report any vandalism or criminal activity they witness on the property to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office and Stronghold.