The Funding of Fun: Parks, Partnerships, and Public Value

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, county leaders will explore how public-private partnerships and other innovative guidelines are helping expand parks, recreation facilities, and community amenities while managing long-term costs.

As demand for parks, trails, athletic fields, and recreational programming continues to grow, counties are finding new ways to leverage private investment, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and other partners.

These partnerships can create opportunities to deliver projects and services that might otherwise be out of reach while ensuring long-term public value.

The Funding of Fun: Parks, Partnerships, and Public Value

Counties are increasingly looking beyond traditional funding models to develop and improve parks and recreation facilities. From athletic complexes and community centers to trails and neighborhood parks, partnerships are becoming an important tool for stretching local dollars and expanding recreational opportunities.

This session will examine how counties can structure successful partnerships while balancing financial, operational, and community considerations. Panelists will share practical lessons from recent projects, discuss strategies for leveraging outside resources and philanthropic support, and explore how parks and recreation departments continue to evolve as providers of essential public services.

Speakers:

  • Raymond Bivens, Director, St. Mary’s County Parks & Recreation
  • Jacob Stephens, Deputy Director, Worcester County Recreation & Parks
  • Darius Stanton, Director, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County

Moderator: The Honorable Senator Mary Beth Carozza, Maryland Senate

Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” takes place August 12-15, 2026, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, visit the conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: