Public Works Board approves funding for community parks and playgrounds
Governor Hogan’s Budget Supports Outdoor Access Across Maryland
Maryland DNR picture
The Board of Public Works today approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) application to fund the first Community Parks and Playgrounds program for fiscal year 2023.
Overall, Gov. Larry Hogan’s fiscal year 2023 budget included $5 million for 39 local projects across the state, providing greater access to outdoor recreation for all Marylanders. The first round included 16 of the projects. The Public Works Board will review funding items in the next fiscal year.
Once funding is released, MNR provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment.
“The Community Parks & Playgrounds program invests in the future of Maryland communities by developing and revitalizing parks and playgrounds across the state,” said Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. “From nature trails to accessible playgrounds, sports fields, wading pools and other outdoor gathering spaces, this program benefits everyone in Maryland.”
The following community parks and playground projects were approved on June 27 by the Public Works Board:
Allegany County
barton
Meadow Park Pavilion Equipment
$100,000
Carolina County
Preston
James T. Wright Park – meditation garden
$18,200
Templeville
Templeville Community Park Restoration
$141,300
Carroll County
westminster
Floor improvement spray included Westminster Municipal Swimming Pool
$113,000
Dorchester County
Vienna
Baseball/softball field in Vienna
$208,295
Frederick County
Emmitsburg
Silo Hill playground upgrades
$146,263
Montgomery County
Gaithersburg
Morris Park Playground Replacement
$275,000
Rockville
Croydon Creek Nature Center Playground Expansion
$96,014
Prince George County
North Brentwood
Rhode Island Pocket Park
$30,000
University Park
Community Park Renovation
$225,000
Marlboro Top
Community Park Playground Phase 3 Splash Zone
$192,424
Talbot County
Oxford
Oxford Causeway Basketball/Pickleball Court
$40,000
WicomicoComment County
Mardela Springs
Mardela Springs Park Baseball Field
$210,943
Willards
Willards City Park Improvements
$250,000
worcester County
Berlin
Dr. William Henry Park Basketball Court Lighting
$111,650
OceanCity
Northside Park Playground Equipment
$265,400
To date, more than $84 million in grants have been approved for more than 832 parks and playground projects since the program’s inception.
The DNR is now accepting grant proposals for the FY24 Community Parks & Playgrounds program. All municipalities in the state are invited to apply. Grant proposals will be reviewed and considered for submission under the Governor’s FY24 budget.
For more information on the Community Parks and Playgrounds program, visit available on the MRN website.