$950K of Program Open Space Funds Approved for Counties by Board of Public Works

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a combined $949,000 in Program Open Space funding for four counties, supporting land-use planning, recreation, accessibility, and park improvements.

Last week, in a regularly scheduled meeting of the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW), just shy of a million dollars was approved for county use. Of the $949K approved, Montgomery received the largest allocation, with $717,000 to renovate approximately 1.1 miles of an existing trail and bring it into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The approved projects highlight the range of uses for local Program Open Space (POS) funding, from long-term land preservation and recreation planning to direct improvements at parks and trails. Together, the grants will help counties meet state planning requirements while improving public recreational facilities and accessibility. The Montgomery trail renovation specifically represents the largest investment, while the Washington County playground replacement provides a direct upgrade to a community recreation facility.

All approved project details below.

Charles

  • A request by the Department of Natural Resources to commit $50,000 in Program Open Space funding allocated to Charles County to complete the County’s 2027 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan, consistent with State planning requirements.

Montgomery

  • A request from the Department of Natural Resources to commit $717,000 from the Program Open Space funding allocated to Montgomery County to renovate an approximately 1.1-mile existing trail to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

St. Mary’s

  • A request by the Department of Natural Resources to commit $25,000 in Program Open Space funding allocated to St. Mary’s County to complete the County’s 2032 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan, consistent with State planning requirements.

Washington

  • A request from the Department of Natural Resources to commit $157,000 from the Program Open Space funding allocated to Washington County to replace the outdated playground at Pleasant Valley Park.