Does anyone know why I was there at 10am on a Friday and the gate was still chained shut? The hours online say it opens at 8am daily.

The park belongs to Frederick county Park and rec

Thanks, i called a number listed online. Went to a guys voicemail who books the park for events.

Gate is usually locked after the summer season. Park is still available to use during daylight hours

You might've just got lucky with an off day for the person supposed to unchain. I don't recall who owns the park or of there would be a number to call.