The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved more than $1.18 million in grants from the Department of Natural Resources to support parks, sports fields, courts, and playgrounds across several counties, including significant investments in Calvert County.
In Calvert County, funding from the Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program will support upgrades at Hallowing Point Park and the School Street Athletic Complex. Calvert County will remove existing basketball courts at Hallowing Point Park and construct new courts to improve safety and usability. Dorchester County will add pickleball courts at its School Street Athletic Complex as part of the same program.
These projects are part of broader efforts to enhance recreational opportunities for residents in Southern Maryland. The Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program, funded in previous fiscal years, provides grants primarily to local governments for park and recreation improvements.
Additional funding through the Community Parks and Playgrounds program supports projects in Western Maryland counties, but the overall allocation reflects the state’s commitment to investing in local outdoor spaces statewide. Program Open Space – Local funding also supports projects in Dorchester and Frederick counties, including new facilities and land acquisition for future sports complexes.
Program Open Space – Local provides funding for county and municipal governments to plan, acquire, and develop recreational land or facilities. Funds are allocated annually to every county and Baltimore City, with projects determined locally. Established in 1969, the program is funded by a property transfer tax and symbolizes Maryland’s long-term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
The grants approved by the Board of Public Works, composed of Governor Wes Moore (represented by Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller), Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, will help local communities maintain and expand access to parks and recreational facilities. These investments support public health, community engagement, and quality of life in rural and suburban areas.
For Calvert County residents, the upgrades at Hallowing Point Park and the School Street Athletic Complex will provide modern facilities for basketball, pickleball, and other activities. Such improvements can encourage greater participation in outdoor recreation and support local youth sports programs.
The state’s focus on these projects aligns with broader goals of balancing development with preservation of open spaces. By funding both new construction and enhancements to existing facilities, the grants help communities adapt to growing recreational demands while maintaining accessible public spaces.
Residents interested in more details on the approved projects can review the Board of Public Works July 1, 2026, meeting agenda. Additional information on Maryland’s recreation and land conservation programs is available through the Department of Natural Resources.
These grants represent continued state support for local governments in Southern Maryland and beyond. Communities in Calvert County and neighboring areas stand to benefit from safer, more accessible parks that promote active lifestyles and community gatherings.
As Calvert County moves forward with these improvements, local officials and residents can look forward to enhanced recreational opportunities that strengthen the area’s appeal as a place to live, work, and play.
