2027 Community Parks and Playgrounds Program Grant

The Community Parks and Playgrounds Program (CPP), administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides funding to assist Maryland’s incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City in developing and enhancing public parks and green spaces. This initiative is grounded in the state’s commitment to improving access to outdoor recreational areas, particularly for children and underserved communities. Funded primarily through Maryland’s State General Obligation Bonds, the program supports both the revitalization of existing parks and the creation of new public recreation spaces. These investments aim to promote community well-being, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to recreational infrastructure. The CPP program accepts project proposals from incorporated municipalities and Baltimore City for a broad range of eligible activities. These include the development of new parks, rehabilitation or expansion of existing park infrastructure, installation of playground equipment, creation of nature-oriented recreational features, development of trails and water access points, and acquisition of land intended for new parks. While land acquisition projects are eligible, the program prioritizes capital investments directly tied to park development and improvement. In addition, inclusive playground projects are encouraged and should follow guidance issued by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and Department of Disabilities. Applicants must meet several requirements to be considered eligible. Projects must comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws, be publicly accessible, and remain open without discrimination. The applicant must have legal rights to develop the proposed site, demonstrate readiness to proceed promptly following state approval, and ensure the project's longevity—development projects must remain functional for at least 20 years. Furthermore, applicants must show capacity for long-term project maintenance. For projects involving land acquisition, two independent appraisals are required, and properties acquired must remain in public recreational use in perpetuity. The proposal review and selection process is competitive. DNR staff evaluate each application based on alignment with program goals, compliance with eligibility requirements, and prior grant performance. Projects recommended by the DNR are submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for possible inclusion in the Governor’s budget proposal. Upon legislative approval, the projects proceed to the Board of Public Works and the State Clearinghouse for final authorization. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, although in some cases, advance payment may be considered after state approval. Applications for FY 2027 are due by Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Submissions must be sent via email to laplocalgrants.dnr@maryland.gov, and applicants are encouraged to consult with their assigned Program Administrator before submission to ensure eligibility and completeness. DNR staff will also host two virtual grant workshops via Google Meet to support applicants—on June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and July 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Award notifications are expected to be issued in May or June 2026, contingent upon state budget approval. Contact information is provided for three regional program administrators: Tiffany DePaoli (tiffanyr.depaoli@maryland.gov | 667-270-0786), Katelyn Mayberry (kate.mayberry@maryland.gov | 443-883-5800), and Michael McQuarrie (michael.mcquarrie@maryland.gov | 410-279-8147). Each administrator is responsible for specific counties and applicants are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate contact for support. Further information and updates are available on the program’s official website.

Contact Program Administrator before submission to confirm eligibility and required documents.