St. Mary’s County will receive $2.8 million in state funding to acquire 209 acres of forested land that will become a new public recreational park, the Maryland Board of Public Works announced this week.
The grant, awarded through the Program Open Space – Stateside program, will preserve wildlife habitat and improve water quality in the St. Mary’s River watershed while providing new outdoor recreation space accessible by bus for county residents.
The acquisition is part of a larger $9.2 million package of Program Open Space and related grants approved for park improvements, playgrounds and land conservation across Maryland. While most projects are located in other counties, the St. Mary’s County land purchase stands out as the only new recreational park acquisition in Southern Maryland in this round of funding.
Program Open Space, established in 1969 and funded by a portion of Maryland’s real estate transfer tax, has long been a key tool for preserving natural areas and creating public recreation opportunities. In St. Mary’s County, the program has previously supported projects at St. Clement’s Island, Point Lookout State Park and local community parks. This latest acquisition continues that tradition by protecting a significant forested tract in a rapidly growing part of Southern Maryland.
The new park is expected to offer passive recreation opportunities such as trails, wildlife viewing and nature-based education programs. The land’s location within the St. Mary’s River watershed makes its preservation especially important for protecting local water quality, supporting oyster restoration efforts and maintaining habitat for native species.
St. Mary’s County has seen steady population growth in recent years, increasing demand for public green space and outdoor recreation close to residential areas. County officials have prioritized expanding park access, particularly in areas that can be reached by public transportation. The new park’s planned bus accessibility is expected to make it a valuable resource for families, students and senior citizens across the county.
The funding decision aligns with broader state goals under the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort. Protecting forested buffers helps filter runoff, reduce nutrient pollution and support the health of the St. Mary’s River, which flows into the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources officials noted that Program Open Space – Stateside acquisitions are managed as state parks, forests or wildlife areas, ensuring long-term public access and conservation.
This week’s approval also included funding for conservation easements in Frederick and Baltimore counties, as well as major park renovations in Montgomery County. However, the St. Mary’s County project is the only new land acquisition for a public park in Southern Maryland.
Local leaders have welcomed the investment, viewing it as a significant step toward balancing growth with conservation in St. Mary’s County.
