Waldorf, Md.—The Charles County Resilience Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Department of Planning and Growth Management, has been awarded a $438,000 grant to construct the Waldorf Elite Gymnastics Stormwater Pocket Park. The funding, provided through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, supports ecological restoration and community enhancement.
Maryland’s Stormwater Pocket Park Initiative
The Stormwater Pocket Park project is part of a $29 million allocation by the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund for 27 ecological restoration projects in Fiscal Year 2026. Projects were chosen for their ability to improve water quality, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental justice. The Waldorf Elite Gymnastics Stormwater Pocket Park will transform unused asphalt-covered areas into a green space that manages stormwater runoff while providing a recreational area for the community. “We’re excited about the Stormwater Pocket Park at the Waldorf Elite Gymnastics Center, which will transform unused space into vibrant green space for our residents,” said Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator.
Dual Benefits of the Stormwater Pocket Park
The Stormwater Pocket Park serves a dual purpose: it stores and treats stormwater runoff during rain events and offers shaded, natural green space for public use during dry conditions. The park will complement the existing Sunshine Art Park at the Waldorf Elite Gymnastics Center, creating a cohesive recreational and environmental hub. “Creating the Stormwater Pocket Park will enable kids to get outside and play in shaded, natural green space, and it will enhance climate resilience and environmental justice in the middle of Waldorf’s overburdened communities,” said Stacy Shaefer, Director of the Charles County Resilience Authority.
Building on Prior Funding
The Stormwater Pocket Park project builds on a 2024 grant of $83,801, which funded the design and engineering of underground stormwater facilities and the pocket park layout. The new $438,000 grant will support the construction phase, turning the plan into reality. The project aligns with Charles County Commissioners’ goals for resiliency and sustainability by managing stormwater effectively while enhancing community spaces. The Stormwater Pocket Park will improve water quality and habitat conditions, addressing environmental justice by providing green space in an urbanized area.
Construction Timeline and Community Impact
Construction of the Stormwater Pocket Park is set to begin in fall 2025 and is expected to take approximately three months to complete. The project will transform an underutilized, asphalt-covered area into a vibrant, accessible space, benefiting both the environment and Waldorf residents. The Stormwater Pocket Park will serve as a model for integrating ecological restoration with community recreation, supporting Maryland’s broader goals for climate resilience and sustainable development.
