23 Maryland Parks and Playgrounds Receive Funding
Department of Natural Resources Now Accepting Grant Applications for Next Year
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting grant applications from cities and towns looking to rehabilitate or enhance local parks and playgrounds in their communities. Funding from the Community Parks and Playground Program can be utilized to restore existing areas and features or to develop and expand new green spaces. Applications for Fiscal Year 2018 funding are due on Aug. 17.
“Creating and improving public access to parks and play areas, especially those in more densely-populated areas, is a top priority for the department and state,” Land Acquisition and Planning Director Emily Wilson said. “That is why we continue to work to expand opportunities for our citizens and children to experience the great outdoors and all that nature has to offer. The program provides a recreational oasis in an otherwise urbanized setting. We encourage municipalities to take advantage of this grant opportunity.”
The department recently awarded 23 grants in Fiscal Year 2017 – totaling $2.5 million – to communities throughout Maryland, from Baltimore City to Trappe. Each grant was evaluated by the department and included in Governor Larry Hogan’s capital budget. Every project will be presented to the Board of Public Works for final approval.
Community Parks and Playground Program grant recipients included:
Baltimore City | Clifton Park Playground | Replace playground equipment and safety surface. | $190,000 |
Baltimore City | Collington Square Park Improvements | Replace playground equipment and safety surface. | $180,000 |
Barton | Barton Little League Field | Upgrade concession stand and restrooms | $62,000 |
Berlin | Henry Park | Construct permanent restrooms. | $95,895 |
Boonsboro | Shafer Park | Renovate restrooms. | $55,000 |
Cambridge | Cattail Crossing Community Playground | Purchase and install playground equipment and safety surface. | $191,497 |
Capitol Heights | London Woods | Rehabilitate basketball and tennis court surfaces. | $96,056 |
Chesapeake City | Helen Titter Park | Construct comfort station and parking area. | $101,250 |
Colmar Manor | Newton Street Park | Replace playground equipment. | $97,347 |
Denton | Sharp Road Community Park | Construct multi-purpose fields and walking trail. | $197,500 |
District Heights | Sports Complex Upgrades | Construct restroom facilities, renovate basketball court and install new fitness equipment. | $166,534 |
Emmitsburg | Emmitsburg Community Park | Renovate pool and restroom area. | $217,200 |
Federalsburg | John Smith Water Trail Access | Construct ADA canoe and kayak floating pier. | $26,404 |
Galena | Galena Elementary School | Develop walking trail along perimeter of ball fields. | $80,000 |
Kitzmiller | Harrison Hanlin Children’s Park | Upgrade playground equipment. | $93,473 |
Leonardtown | Fireman’s Park and Heritage Museum | Create a new passive park. | $125,468 |
Meyersville | Harp Field | Replace tot lot and renovate basketball and tennis courts. | $45,000 |
North East | North East Community Park | Purchase and install playground equipment and safety surface. | $8,122 |
Ocean City | Boardwalk Playground | Purchase and install new playground equipment and safety surface. | $120,500 |
Oxford | Oxford Causeway Park | Refurbish tennis courts. | $50,000 |
Preston | James T. Wright Park | Purchase and install new playground equipment and exercise stations. | $74,924 |
Queenstown | Little Queenstown Creek | Create new park including boardwalk, kayak launch and observation area. | $120,000 |
Trappe | Nace’s Park | Create a new passive park. | $105,830 |