OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP)- Gov. Martin O'Malley stopped by a famed amusement park during his recent trip to Ocean City, chatting with the Trimper family about their struggles to keep the aging park open.

Granville Trimper, part owner of Trimper Rides, says his family may have to sell its waterfront parcel and hallmark carousel because of high property taxes.

"This is far better than another two blocks of condos," Granville Trimper said, according to the The (Salisbury) Daily Times.

O'Malley called the amusement park a "spot that has come to define the Boardwalk."

"We will do everything we can to preserve it," he said.

The governor also met with local tourism workers who asked for more state money to promote tourism in the resort. He didn't promise anything.

"It's going to be a rough year for us. I can't tell you I can promise more money; there will probably be small cuts. I will try to make them as small as I possibly can," O'Malley said.