State Awards $1.2M for Local Parks and Recreation

Earlier this month, the Board of Public Works approved more than $1.18 million in grants to support parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and recreational facilities in six counties through three Maryland Department of Natural Resources programs.

The July 1 approvals include funding through Program Open Space – Local, the Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program, and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program, helping counties and municipalities improve recreational amenities and expand outdoor opportunities for residents.

Approximately $455,000 in POS-Local funding will support projects in Dorchester and Frederick counties.

Dorchester County will construct a new restroom and storage facility at School Street Park, while the Town of New Market will acquire land for a future soccer complex. Additional projects include improvements at Bullivant Park in Myersville and a new accessible pathway at East West Park in Mount Airy.

The Board also approved $316,000 through the Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program for projects in Calvert and Dorchester counties. Calvert County will replace aging basketball courts at Hallowing Point Park, while Dorchester County will add pickleball courts at the School Street Athletic Complex.

Another $413,000 was approved through the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program for projects in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. Funding will support lighting and pickleball court improvements at recreation facilities in Allegany County, along with new inclusive playgrounds at Friendsville Elementary School in Garrett County and Sharpsburg Community Park in Washington County.

Programs such as POS continue to provide counties with an important source of funding for park acquisition, development, accessibility improvements, and recreational infrastructure. Established in 1969, POS-Local allocates funding annually to every county and Baltimore City, allowing local governments to determine which projects best meet community needs.

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

As counties continue investing in parks and recreation facilities, local leaders are increasingly looking beyond traditional funding sources to stretch public dollars and expand community amenities.

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, The Funding of Fun: Parks, Partnerships, and Public Value will explore how counties are leveraging public-private partnerships, philanthropy, and other innovative approaches to develop parks, trails, athletic complexes, and recreational facilities while managing long-term costs.

Panelists will discuss successful partnership models, lessons learned from recent projects, and strategies for delivering high-quality recreational opportunities that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

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

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: