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 Eastern Shore 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.
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
Cecil County
Fair Green Park Playground, Charlestown
Purchase and install new playground equipment with safety surface
$113,451
Kent County
Arbor Play Area, Betterton
Replace playground equipment and safety surface
$199,580
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.