Local Program Open Space Grants Process How to Apply
The
Local Program Open Space Manual and the
Manual's Table of Contents are available in Microsoft Word. The
Application Forms, General Instructions and
Other Forms from the Manual have been updated and are available for individual download via the links below.
These documents are also available in PDF format. You will need to
download Adobe Acrobat, if you do not have it installed on your computer.
Application Forms (MS Word):
General Instructions & List of Supporting Documents
Other Forms:
Program Open Space Local - FAQ
View answers to our most frequently asked questions here.
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.
