Board of Public Works Approves Community Parks and Playgrounds Funding

Governor Hogan’s Budget Supports Outdoor Access Across Maryland

Maryland DNR photo

The Board of Public Works today approved Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) request to fund the first group of Community Parks & Playgrounds Program for Fiscal Year 2023. 

Overall, Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget included $5 million to 39 local projects statewide, providing greater access to outdoor recreation for all Marylanders. The first round included 16 of the projects. The Board of Public Works will review the funding items during the coming fiscal year.

Once the funding is released, DNR provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment. 

“The Community Parks & Playgrounds Program invests in the future of Maryland’s communities by developing and revitalizing parks and playgrounds statewide,” Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “From nature trails to accessible playgrounds, athletic fields, splash pads, and other outdoor gathering spaces, this program benefits all Marylanders.”

The following Community Parks & Playgrounds Projects were approved July 27 by the Board of Public Works:

Allegany County

Barton
Meadow Park Pavilion equipment
$100,000

Caroline County

Preston
James T. Wright Park – meditation garden
$18,200

Templeville
Templeville Community Park restoration
$141,300

Carroll County

Westminster
Westminster Municipal Pool inclusive spray ground enhancement
$113,000

Dorchester County

Vienna
Vienna baseball/softball field
$208,295

Frederick County

Emmitsburg
Silo Hill playground improvements
$146,263

Montgomery County

Gaithersburg
Morris Park Playground replacement
$275,000

Rockville
Croydon Creek Nature Center playground expansion
$96,014

Prince George’s County

North Brentwood
Rhode Island Pocket Park
$30,000

University Park
Community Park tot lot renovation
$225,000

Upper Marlboro
Community Park Playground Phase 3 splash pad
$192,424

Talbot County

Oxford
Oxford Causeway basketball/pickleball court
$40,000

Wicomico County

Mardela Springs
Mardela Springs Park baseball field
$210,943

Willards
Willards Town Park improvements
$250,000

Worcester County

Berlin
Dr. William Henry Park basketball court lighting
$111,650

Ocean City
Northside Park playground equipment
$265,400

To date, more than $84 million in grant funding has been approved for over 832 park and playground projects since the program’s inception. 

DNR is now accepting grant proposals for the FY24 Community Parks & Playgrounds Program.  All municipalities throughout the state are invited to apply.  Grant proposals will be reviewed and considered for submission as part of the Governor’s FY24 budget.

More information on the Community Parks & Playgrounds Program is available on the DNR website.