Read more about the article Chesapeake Bay Program Surpasses 300-Site Goal
Environment / Parks and Recreation
Chesapeake Bay Program Surpasses 300-Site Goal

Expanding access to the Chesapeake Bay is a tangible way to strengthen communities and support state and local priorities. With over 300 new public access sites now open, the region is making meaningful progress toward a more accessible and inclusive Bay. In a press release from the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Program has officially exceeded its longstanding goal to expand public access across the Bay watershed. This achieved goal represents a win for recreation, tourism,…

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August 6, 2025
Read more about the article Charles Awarded Grant for Innovative Stormwater Pocket Park
County Budgets / County News / Emergency Management / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Parks and Recreation / Risk Management
Charles Awarded Grant for Innovative Stormwater Pocket Park

The Charles County Resilience Authority, in partnership with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, and the Department of Planning and Growth Management, has announced the award of a $438,000 grant for the construction of the Waldorf Elite Gymnastics Stormwater Pocket Park. From the county press release:  “We’re excited about the Stormwater Pocket Park at the Waldorf Elite Gymnastics Center, which will transform unused space into vibrant green space for our residents. This project supports…

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July 17, 2025
Read more about the article The Bottom Line on Green Spaces: ROI of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation / Summer Conference
The Bottom Line on Green Spaces: ROI of Parks and Recreation

Green spaces can be a significant health and financial boost for communities. Hear from panelists about the importance of investing in parks and recreation.   Investing in parks and recreation programs has proven to strengthen community well-being, promoting physical activity, mental health, and social connection. These spaces support environmental sustainability, improve air and water quality, provide safe, inclusive places for residents of all ages, and have been shown to raise property values. MACo’s The Bottom Line…

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July 7, 2025
Read more about the article State Invests $3.2M for Parks Projects Across Nine Counties
Parks and Recreation / Summer Conference
State Invests $3.2M for Parks Projects Across Nine Counties

The Board of Public Works approved $3.2 million for the trails and park facilities across nine counties.  Last month, the Board of Public Works approved more than $3.2 million in grants to local governments from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to construct trails and park facilities in Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Prince George’s, Washington, and Worcester counties. About $2.35 million in Program Open Space – Local funding was approved for ten projects. In Baltimore,…

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July 1, 2025
Read more about the article FY27 Community Parks & Playgrounds Grants Now Open
Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Parks and Recreation
FY27 Community Parks & Playgrounds Grants Now Open

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting grant proposals for the FY 2027 Community Parks and Playgrounds program. The Community Parks and Playgrounds program provides flexible grants to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment. The proposals will be reviewed and considered for submission to the General Assembly as part of the Governor’s FY 2027 budget. Governor Wes Moore’s FY 2026 budget included a total of…

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June 25, 2025
Read more about the article Washington County Adds 173 Acres to Its Permanently Preserved Lands
News You Can Use / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning
Washington County Adds 173 Acres to Its Permanently Preserved Lands

Washington County just added another 173 acres to its growing list of protected properties, bringing the county’s total preserved land to over 42,000 acres. Washington County recently finalized a Rural Legacy Program easement to permanently preserve a 173.54-acre farm along Shepherdstown Pike in Sharpsburg. The property adds to an expanding block of contiguous preserved land. This latest effort builds momentum for surrounding property owners to consider permanent easements and reflects the county’s continued investment in…

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June 5, 2025
Read more about the article Transfer Tax 101: What to Know About Program Open Space Funding
County News / Parks and Recreation / Policy Deep Dive / Taxes and Revenues
Transfer Tax 101: What to Know About Program Open Space Funding

Every time someone buys a home or piece of land in Maryland, a small portion of that transaction helps preserve the state's natural beauty and expand community parks. But as real estate markets fluctuate, so too does the funding that counties rely on to protect open spaces and deliver quality outdoor recreation. For more than half a century, Program Open Space (POS) has been one of Maryland’s most effective tools for preserving land and expanding…

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June 4, 2025
Read more about the article MD Launches 25 in 2025 Statewide Parks Challenge
Environment / Parks and Recreation / Tourism
MD Launches 25 in 2025 Statewide Parks Challenge

The Maryland Park Service has launched the 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge, inviting individuals and families to complete at least 25 themed activities across Maryland’s state parks by November 15, 2025. The program showcases the park system's rich natural and historical variety, from island hikes and lighthouse visits to disc golf and geological discoveries. Participants can mix and match challenges, and while registration isn’t required, those who donate $25 will be eligible for a prize…

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May 22, 2025
Read more about the article MD Parks Service Rolls Out Reservation System at Packed State Parks
Photo from MD Dept of Natural Resources - Sandy Point State Park
County News / Parks and Recreation
MD Parks Service Rolls Out Reservation System at Packed State Parks

Maryland Parks Service will be requiring reservations for two state parks due to overcrowding. As reported by Maryland Matters, Maryland is launching a mandatory reservation system at Greenbrier and Sandy Point State Parks on weekends and holidays, starting Memorial Day weekend. These two parks have seen overwhelming visitor numbers in recent years, with long entry lines, traffic backups, and staff pulled from essential duties to manage the crowds. The new system aims to reduce chaos…

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May 21, 2025
Read more about the article Board of Public Works Approves $1.9 M for County Parks
Board of Public Works / Environment / Parks and Recreation
Board of Public Works Approves $1.9 M for County Parks

With almost $2 million in new grants approved, Cecil, Frederick, and Somerset counties are set to upgrade parks and safeguard critical farmland, fueling healthier communities and stronger local economies. The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved over $1.9 million for park improvements and land conservation projects in Cecil, Frederick, and Somerset counties. The funding comes through several Maryland Department of Natural Resources programs, including Program Open Space Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Community…

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May 13, 2025
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