Community Parks and Playgrounds Program Accepting Applications

Department of Natural Resources Offers Funds for Improved Access to Open Spaces

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting grant applications from cities and towns seeking to build, enhance or rehabilitate local parks and playgrounds.

Funding from the Community Parks and Playground Program can be used to restore existing areas and features or to develop and expand new green spaces.

Applications for Fiscal Year 2019 funding are due Aug. 16.

“Creating and improving public access to Maryland’s lands and waters is central to our mission,” Land Acquisition and Planning Director Emily Wilson said. “That is why we continue to expand opportunities for everyone to experience the great outdoors and all that nature has to offer. We encourage communities to take advantage of this competitive grant program.”

The program is designed to enhance the livability of communities by creating, enhancing or restoring parks, playgrounds and other local open spaces. Municipalities are encouraged to emphasize projects that offer public access benefits that improve the quality of life in existing population centers and demonstrate low impact development management, materials and techniques.

With the support of Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland General Assembly, the department awarded $2.5 million for 23 new projects in Fiscal Year 2018.