Maryland Approves $13 Million for Community Centers, Playgrounds, and Land Conservation in 16 Counties

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the approval of $13 million in grants to local governments and land trusts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for community centers, playgrounds, and land conservation in 16 counties. The funding will support projects such as park renovations, playground replacements, and land conservation efforts.

Key Takeaways:

• The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has approved $13 million in grants to support community centers, playgrounds, and land conservation in 16 counties.
• About $6.6 million in Program Open Space - Local funding was approved for 12 projects, with Prince George's County receiving $5.6 million for two projects.
• Funding was also approved for Carroll County for six projects, including a playground replacement at Piney Run Park and interior renovations at Union Bridge Community Park Community Center.
• The Community Parks and Playgrounds program was approved to award more than $2.8 million for 15 projects, including a new splash pad in Festival Park in Aberdeen and replacement of several outdated playground structures.
• The Rural Legacy program was approved to conserve more than 1,006 acres, including a 121-acre farm in Dorchester County and three conservation easements in Charles County.
• The funding for these projects is allocated from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space - Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Rural Legacy, and Community Parks and Playgrounds programs.
• The Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space - Local provides funding for county and municipal governments for the planning, acquisition, and development of recreational land or facilities.
• The Rural Legacy Program conserves large working landscapes across 36 locally designated areas throughout Maryland.

Statistics:

• $13 million in grants approved for community centers, playgrounds, and land conservation in 16 counties
• $6.6 million in Program Open Space - Local funding approved for 12 projects
• $5.6 million in funding approved for Prince George's County for two projects
• 1,006 acres to be conserved through the Rural Legacy program
• 15 projects awarded funding through the Community Parks and Playgrounds program
• $2.8 million in funding awarded to the Community Parks and Playgrounds program
• Program Open Space - Local funding is allocated from a property transfer tax
• Rural Legacy Program conserves large working landscapes across 36 locally designated areas in Maryland

Sources:

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources, "Board of Public Works Approves $13 Million for Community Centers, Playgrounds, and Land Conservation in 16 Counties", August 27, 2025.