Board also approves funds to conserve forest for new Natural Environment Area in Rocky Gap State Park complex
Maryland 2026 - The Board of Public Works today approved $4.6 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments and a land trust for trails, playgrounds, and land conservation in Baltimore, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worcester counties.
About $950,000 in Program Open Space – Local funding was approved for four projects, including the renovation of a one-mile trail at Wheaton Regional Park Trail in Montgomery County. The renovation will make the trail accessible for those with disabilities. In addition, Pleasant Valley Park in Washington County is funded for a new playground.
Funding was approved for the Land Preservation Trust to acquire a 48-acre permanent conservation easement in the Piney Run Rural Legacy Area in Baltimore County. The easement will protect productive farmland and forestland, as well as stream buffers within the watershed for the Loch Raven Reservoir, a source of drinking water for the Baltimore Metropolitan Area. Maryland DNR photo.
Also approved was $3.18 million for the Community Parks and Playgrounds program to fund 13 projects statewide:
- Playground equipment at Sharp Road Park in Denton and James T. Wright Park in Preston (Caroline County)
- A new park in Cambridge, to be named Leonards Lane Pocket Park and featuring a basketball court and walking trails (Dorchester County)
- Playground equipment at Salem United Methodist Church Community Playground in Brookville and Community Center Park Playground in Garrett Park (Montgomery County)
- New restroom and concession building at Stevens Park in Poolesville (Montgomery County)
- An outdoor gathering area with a pavilion, seating, fencing and landscaping at Fit and Fun Park in Seat Pleasant (Prince George’s County)
- Playground equipment and fitness court at Bartlett Park in Brentwood (Prince George’s County)
- New trails, parking, and a pier at San Domingo Park in St. Michaels (Talbot County)
- Playground equipment and pavilion at Gordy Park in Delmar, field lighting at Mason Dixon Sports Complex in Delmar, and bleachers and picnic tables at Willards Town Park (Wicomico County)
- New skatepark at Heron Park in Berlin (Worcester County)
In land conservation, $484,000 of Rural Legacy program funding was approved for the Land Preservation Trust to acquire a 48-acre permanent conservation easement in the Piney Run Rural Legacy Area in Baltimore County. The easement will protect productive farmland and forestland, as well as stream buffers within the watershed for the Loch Raven Reservoir, a source of drinking water for the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.
In addition, the Board approved Program Open Space – Stateside funds of $325,500 for a property acquisition of 170 acres in Allegany County. This forested property is located at the the southern end of Piney Mountain and will be managed by the Maryland Park Service as a new Natural Environment Area within the Rocky Gap State Park Complex. The acquisition will directly buffer and protect approximately two miles of Braddock Run, a brook trout stream; protect bird and wildlife habitat; and expand public recreational opportunities.
More detailed information on these and other items is available in the Board of Public Works August 19, 2026 meeting agenda.
The three-member Board of Public Works is composed of Governor Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman.
Information about these Maryland recreation and land conservation programs:
Program Open Space – Stateside preserves natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland through fee simple and conservation easement acquisitions. Fee simple acquisitions are managed by the department as state parks, forests, and wildlife and fisheries management areas.
Program Open Space – Local provides funding for county and municipal governments for the planning, acquisition, and development of recreational land or facilities. Funds are allocated annually to every county and Baltimore City and projects funded are determined by the local government. Established under the Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space, along with other state land conservation programs, symbolizes Maryland’s long-term commitment to conserving our natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for all citizens. The program is funded by a property transfer tax.
The Community Parks and Playgrounds program provides funding to municipal governments to restore existing and create new park and recreational facilities throughout the state.
The Rural Legacy Program, created in 1997, conserves large working landscapes across 36 locally designated areas throughout Maryland. The Rural Legacy Program, along with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, have recently earned the State of Maryland national recognition from the American Farmland Trust.
More news on funding approved for Program Open Space, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Community Parks and Playgrounds, Greenspace Equity, Rural Legacy, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Permanent Easement programs is available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Land News webpage.
