Maryland Parks and Playgrounds Receive $2.5 Million in Funding

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the award of 19 Community Parks and Playgrounds grants, totaling $2.5 million, to municipalities across the state.

The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment.

“From Garrett County to Worcester County, these projects provide important outdoor recreation opportunities and green space to communities in every corner of our state, particularly in older neighborhoods and intensely developed areas,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “We are very proud of this program which helps children learn, thrive, and play in healthy environments.”

To date, the program has funded more than 740 projects totaling more than $72 million.

The following projects were included in Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget and will be presented to the Board of Public Works for final approval in the coming weeks.

Allegany County
Town of Luke Inclusive Nature Playground
Nature based inclusive playground with climbing equipment
$200,000

Anne Arundel County
Ellen O. Moyer Park, Annapolis
Construct a new pavilion for outdoor environmental education and community events
$101,739

Baltimore City
Violetville Park
Renovate existing playing courts and pathways
$260,000

Caroline County
Marina Park Fit Trail, Federalsburg
Purchase and install trail exercise equipment along the Marshyhope Creek Greenway Trail
$6,995

Marydel Community Park
Construct a multi-purpose field, parking, and trail
$200,000

Carroll County
Bollinger Park Development, Taneytown
Develop a nature park with trails
$150,000

Cooper Park Splash Pad, Sykesville
Construct 2,500 square foot splash pad with holding tank and water play equipment
$150,000

Cecil County
Fair Green Park Playground, Charlestown
Purchase and install new playground equipment with safety surface
$113,451

Frederick County
Community Park, New Market
Replace playground equipment and safety surface
$200,000

Emmitsburg Disc Golf Course
Construct an 18-basket disc golf course
$14,000

Garrett County
Leo Martin Memorial Park, Mountain Lake Park
Construct a walking trail, waterfalls and historical signage
$158,815

Harford County
Plumtree Park, Bel Air
Construct a nature themed play space
$42,049

Kent County
Arbor Play Area, Betterton
Replace playground equipment and safety surface
$199,580

Prince George’s County
Hyatt Park, Hyattsville
Establish a new area of the park with play and musical equipment, landscaping, and fencing
$125,000

Upper Marlboro Community Playground
Construct a new park to include playground equipment, park amenities, and landscaping
$200,000

Talbot County
Oxford Community Central Park
Create a Central Park style recreational area including: bocce courts, concrete chess, tennis and corn hole games, archery area, grilling area, pavilion, and landscaping
$122,400

Easton Point Park
Create a passive, public waterfront green space
$200,000

Wicomico County
Mardela Springs Recreation Area
Replace playground equipment and safety surface
$202,129

Worcester County
Cypress Park, Pocomoke City
Convert 2 tennis courts into 6 pickle ball courts
$73,472


The department is now accepting grant applications from cities and towns looking to enhance or rehabilitate local parks and playgrounds in their communities. Applications for Fiscal Year 2021 funding are due August 21, 2019.