Program Open Space Local
Program Open Space Local provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of recreation land or open space areas.
Established under the Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving our natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for our citizens.
Program Open Space Local Grant
POS Local funds are allocated annually to the 23 Maryland Counties and Baltimore City based on a formula. Funds may be used to acquire or develop land for public recreation or open space use. Projects must be included in the county’s
POS Local Annual Program and funding must be authorized by the county for projects to be considered. Individual projects funded are determined by the local jurisdiction and then brought to the Maryland Board of Public Works for approval.
Program Open Space Local Manual and Forms
The POS Local Manual outlines the key requirements for participation in the Program Open Space grant process. It also serves as the main policy document for the program and includes the terms of the project agreement.
The POS Local Manual is available in PDF format. You will need to download Adobe Acrobat, if you do not have it installed on your computer.
The Application Forms,
General Instructions and Other Forms from the Manual have been updated and are available for individual download via the links below.
Application Forms:
General Instructions & List of Supporting Documents
Other Forms:
Program Open Space Local - FAQ
View answers to our most frequently asked questions here.
Other Local Grants
Recreation Communication Boards Pilot Program
On May 9, 2024, the Governor of Maryland signed
HB 420 (Chapter 568) into law creating a pilot program for the purchase and installation of communication boards in public play areas at State and local parks. The law can be found in Natural Resources Article §5-2B. The communication board is intended to improve play area accessibility by displaying photos, symbols, or illustrations to enable individuals with limited language skills to communicate. The pilot program is effective from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028, for a period of four (4) years, and is subject to funding availability.
This program is only eligible to local governing bodies, defined in the legislation as the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the governing body of any county or Baltimore City. For more information, please see the
Play Area Accessibility – Recreation Communication Boards Pilot Program memorandum.
Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program
The FY 2022 (HB590) and FY 2023 (SB291) capital budgets included funding for grants primarily to local governments for park and recreation projects. No amount of these funds shall be used for projects that are inaccessible to the general public, require memberships, exclude the public because of higher use fees, or include residential, or elaborate lodging facilities. The funds are administered in a similar manner as Program Open Space local grants for acquisition and development projects with the exception that the matching requirement is waived and there are specific requirements related to general public access.
