Board also approves Program Open Space Stateside funds for Washington County land acquisition
A group of backpackers hike into the woods in the South Mountain Recreational Complex in Washington County. The Board of Public Works approved the acquisition of 15 forested adjoining South Mountain State Park that will buffer the Appalachian Trail Corridor, protect water quality in the Antietam Creek watershed, provide habitat protection for migratory birds, and expand recreational opportunities for the public. Maryland DNR photo
Maryland 2026 - The Board of Public Works today approved more than $9 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments for indoor and outdoor recreation and land conservation in Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Worcester counties.
More than $8.3 million in Program Open Space – Local funding was approved for projects, including additional funds for the construction of the new Edgewater Recreation Center in Anne Arundel County, which will have both indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. Funds were also approved for improvements to sports courts, parking lot, roadway, utilities and lighting at the Rubini Athletic Complex in Wheaton Regional Park in Montgomery County. In addition, funds were approved to construct a new park at Anderson Corner in the City of Laurel in Prince George’s County. The 7-acre park will feature an inclusive playground, trails, courts, and a pavilion.
In land conservation, $751,000 of Rural Legacy program funding was approved to acquire a 59-acre permanent conservation easement in the Bishopville-Showell Rural Legacy Area in Worcester County. The easement will protect productive farmland and forest that will contribute to the local resource-based economy. In addition, the forest is likely to support Forest Interior Dwelling Species of birds, which requires large blocks of undisturbed forest to successfully nest.
In addition, the Board approved Program Open Space – Stateside funds of $82,000 to acquire 15 forested acres in Washington County. Adjoining South Mountain State Park, this property buffers the Appalachian Trail Corridor, protects water quality in the Antietam Creek watershed, provides habitat protection for migratory birds, and will expand recreational opportunities for the public.
More detailed information on these and other items is available in the Board of Public Works September 2, 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 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.
