The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has awarded 19 Community Parks and Playgrounds grants, totaling $2.5 million, to municipalities across the state, including eight on the Eastern Shore.

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 projects were included in Gov. Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget and will be presented to the Board of Public Works for final approval in the coming weeks.

Allegany County



Town of Luke Inclusive Nature Playground

Nature based inclusive playground with climbing equipment

$200,000

Anne Arundel County

Ellen O. Moyer Park, Annapolis

Construct a new pavilion for outdoor environmental education and community events

$101,739

Baltimore City

Violetville Park

Renovate existing playing courts and pathways

$260,000

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

Carroll County

Bollinger Park Development, Taneytown

Develop a nature park with trails

$150,000

Cooper Park Splash Pad, Sykesville

Construct 2,500-square-foot splash pad with holding tank and water play equipment

$150,000

Cecil County



Fair Green Park Playground, Charlestown

Purchase and install new playground equipment with safety surface

$113,451

Frederick County

Community Park, New Market

Replace playground equipment and safety surface

$200,000

Emmitsburg Disc Golf Course

Construct an 18-basket disc golf course

$14,000

Garrett County



Leo Martin Memorial Park, Mountain Lake Park

Construct a walking trail, waterfalls and historical signage

$158,815

Harford County

Plumtree Park, Bel Air

Construct a nature-themed play space

$42,049

Kent County

Arbor Play Area, Betterton

Replace playground equipment and safety surface

$199,580

Prince George’s County

Hyatt Park, Hyattsville

Establish a new area of the park with play and musical equipment, landscaping, and fencing

$125,000

Upper Marlboro Community Playground

Construct a new park to include playground equipment, park amenities, and landscaping

$200,000

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 two tennis courts into six 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.