Program Provides $5 Million for Outdoor Recreation Statewide in Fiscal 2022

The Board of Public Works today approved the last of 31 community parks and playground projects for this fiscal year, totaling $5 million in grants for new and upgraded outdoor facilities in communities across Maryland.

Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget included funding for these projects, through which the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides flexible grants to municipalities to rehabilitate, expand, or improve existing parks, create new parks, or purchase and install playground equipment.

“The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program funds important investments across Maryland,” said Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. “These projects create greater access to outdoor recreation, including nature trails, accessible playgrounds, skate parks, splash pads, and gathering spaces that connect us with our community and our natural surroundings.”

Woodland Park Playground Replacement Phase 2 was included in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget and has been approved by Maryland’s Board of Public Works for $160,000 in funding.

Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird stated, “We sincerely appreciate the support from the Community Parks and Playgrounds program and look forward to the completion of this amazing playground planned for Woodland Park.”