LEONARDTOWN — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is investing $5 million in 26 local parks and playground projects across 15 counties for fiscal year 2027, including a new splash pad at Miedzinski Park in Leonardtown.
The Community Parks and Playgrounds grant program provides funding to municipal governments to rehabilitate, expand or improve existing parks, create new parks or install playground equipment. Since its start in fiscal year 2002, the program has distributed more than $97 million for more than 900 projects statewide.
In St. Mary’s County, the Town of Leonardtown will receive $300,000 to construct a new splash pad and pump house at Miedzinski Park. The project includes plumbing and electrical work, shade structures, seating, sidewalks and associated amenities.
“Community Parks and Playgrounds grants are investments in outdoor recreation that provide children with opportunities for unstructured play and access to safe natural areas across the state,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “For more than two decades, DNR has been working with local communities to make their visions for outdoor spaces into reality through this program.”
The Leonardtown splash pad will give local families and visitors a new recreational feature in the county seat. Splash pads offer water play without the need for lifeguards or deep water, making them accessible for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Other projects funded through the program include playground upgrades, court lighting, pickleball courts, skate park expansions and park improvements in counties from Allegany to Worcester. Each project will be presented to the Board of Public Works for approval as it becomes ready.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for fiscal year 2028 Community Parks and Playgrounds funding. Virtual grant workshops are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23 and 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 23. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Residents and local governments interested in future funding can attend the workshops or visit the DNR website for details. These grants help communities enhance outdoor spaces that support public health, family activities and local quality of life.
