Counties rely on parks and recreation funding to build new facilities, expand programs, and maintain the public spaces residents use every day. With limited dollars available, partnerships and long-term planning can help counties make those investments go further.
At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, The Funding of Fun focused on how counties pay for parks and recreation projects, from building partnerships and finding new resources to covering long-term operating and maintenance costs.
Senator Mary Beth Carozza led the discussion, digging into the investments behind parks and recreation and the challenges counties face in sustaining them over time.
Senator Mary Beth Carozza leads the conversation on the investments behind #parks, #recreation programs, and public spaces, and how #counties can make those dollars go further.#MACoCon #MDpolitics @MBCarozzaSenate pic.twitter.com/9gWerBoG18
— Kevin Kinnally (@KKinnally_MACo) August 13, 2026
Panel speakers included:
- Ray Bivens, Director, St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks
- Jacob Stephens, Deputy Director, Worcester County Recreation and Parks
- Darius Stanton, Director, M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County
Bivens discussed why counties are looking at new partnerships and funding approaches for parks and recreation projects. He also focused on delivering the facilities and amenities communities want while accounting for long-term costs.
Stephens shared lessons from recent recreation projects in Worcester County, including sports complexes and other major investments. He discussed using partnerships and external resources to advance projects without relying solely on traditional funding.
Stanton discussed M-NCPPC’s work with community organizations, private partners, and philanthropic groups, including the Prince George’s County Boys & Girls Club. He also highlighted the broader work of parks and recreation departments, from youth and senior programs to public safety support, snow removal, and other essential services.
Counties have to balance new parks and recreation investments with the ongoing costs of maintaining existing facilities and programs. Partnerships, grants, and creative funding approaches can help local dollars go further.
The session took place August 13 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
More about MACo’s Summer Conference:
