ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved $13 million in grants for community centers, playgrounds and land conservation projects in 16 counties across the state, the Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday.
The funding, which comes from several state programs, will support 12 recreation projects and the permanent protection of more than 1,000 acres of land.
Approximately $6.6 million from the Program Open Space – Local fund was approved for projects in counties including Carroll, Garrett, Talbot, and Prince George’s. The grants will be used for a variety of improvements, such as a playground replacement at Piney Run Park in Carroll County, new restrooms and a dog park in Grantsville Community Park in Garrett County, and a new softball field at the Home Run Baker Sports Complex in Talbot County.
Prince George’s County received the largest portion of the Program Open Space funding, with $5.6 million allocated for two projects: the purchase of 170 acres to expand Little Paint Branch Stream Valley Park near College Park and an addition to the Rollingcrest Chillum Community Center in Hyattsville.
Also approved was $255,000 from the Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program to replace outdated playground equipment at Putty Hill Park in Baltimore County. This program was funded in FY 2022 and FY 2023 to provide grant funds primarily to local governments for park and recreation projects.
Another $2.8 million was approved for 15 municipal projects through the Community Parks and Playgrounds program, including a new splash pad in Festival Park in Aberdeen and updated playgrounds in Greensboro, Chesapeake City, Mount Airy. and Williamsport.
Additionally, more than $3.2 million from the Rural Legacy Program was approved for land trusts and local governments to acquire conservation easements on 1,006 acres. These easements will protect a 220-acre property in Caroline County, a 121-acre farm in Dorchester County’s Harriet Tubman Rural Legacy Area, and 665 acres in Charles County. The projects aim to preserve working farms, critical habitats and scenic landscapes.
The three-member Board of Public Works, which is composed of Gov. Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman and Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, reviews and approves state contracts and expenditures.
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