In a significant step toward enhancing environmental resilience and creating green spaces, the Charles County Resilience Authority has been awarded two grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Watershed Assistance Grant Program. The funding will support the development of stormwater drainage improvements and the creation of a stormwater pocket park at the Elite Gymnastics Recreation Center in Waldorf, Maryland. These projects aim to mitigate stormwater flooding and provide valuable green space for community use.
The grants are part of a broader effort to improve watershed health and resilience in Charles County, in collaboration with key state and regional environmental partners. Stacy Schaefer, the Resilience Authority Executive Director, expressed gratitude for the support from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Watershed Assistance program partners, including the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and the Chesapeake Bay Program. Schaefer highlighted the projects’ role in the county’s strategy for enhancing resilience and environmental integrity in an equitable manner.
An $83,801 grant will fund the Elite Gymnastics Stormwater Pocket Park project, a transformative “Concrete to Green” initiative. This project plans to convert underutilized impervious surfaces into a lush pocket park. The park will feature conservation landscaping, a natural play area, and spaces for seating and picnicking, developed in partnership with the Charles County Government. This initiative aims to address flooding and heat island effects at the center, creating a shaded, natural greenspace for community enjoyment.
A second grant of $85,099 is allocated for green infrastructure projects designed to address stormwater runoff and reduce flooding risks. This project will introduce green infrastructure that mimics natural predevelopment conditions, including vegetation ditches to absorb rainfall, create wildlife habitats, and beautify neighborhoods. These measures are designed to manage stormwater more effectively and address environmental justice concerns in areas with limited stormwater management infrastructure.
Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II commended the Chesapeake Bay Trust for their support, emphasizing the significance of these projects for Charles County’s environmental stewardship and community resilience efforts. Collins noted that the Elite Gymnastics Stormwater Pocket Park and Waldorf neighborhood projects are crucial steps towards mitigating the county’s environmental challenges.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust reported over $5.8 million in funding requests for the $1.7 million available, underlining the high demand for watershed health and resilience projects in the region. The Charles County Resilience Authority, a nonprofit organization, leads these initiatives as part of its mission to respond to climate change impacts across Charles County communities.
Funding for these projects comes partly from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under assistance agreements with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of Environment. While the EPA supports these initiatives, it does not necessarily endorse the views, trade names, or commercial products mentioned in these projects.
