Maryland’s 2025 budget includes more than $47 million for local grants through Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space and Community Parks and Playgrounds Program, set aside to expand and enhance public access to recreation and open space throughout Maryland, the governor’s office said last week.
“Maryland is a leader in land conservation, and supporting these important programs is a high priority of the Moore-Miller Administration” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “We will continue to work in partnership across all levels of government as well as with the nonprofit and private sectors to preserve our landscapes and provide access for all Marylanders to our state’s open space.”
Program Open Space – Local is providing $32.1 million in grant funds to Maryland’s counties and Baltimore City to acquire and develop land for public recreation and open space uses.
Program Open Space – Stateside includes an additional $10 million as a direct grant to Baltimore City for projects. All jurisdictions may now complete individual project applications to submit to the Board of Public Works for final approval.
The governor’s budget also includes $5 million in Community Parks and Playgrounds grant funds for 30 projects statewide.
The Community Parks and Playgrounds program provides grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment. Projects funded will be presented to the Board of Public Works for approval in FY 2025.
Among the projects that received funding, was one recreation upgrade in Allegany County, with $50,000 in funding for the Town of Midland
Main Street pickleball court construction.
In Washington County, the Town of Hancock received a grant of $49,115 for replacement of steps in Joseph Hancock Park.
The Town of Keedysville received a grant of $352,541 for Taylor Park for a multi-use sports court.
