Areas in Maryland that have been historically burdened by pollution and poverty will get an infusion of funding to promote more green spaces and a healthier environment, thanks to the Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW.)
The BPW approved more than $4.3 million in grants that will fund 20 Greenspace Equity Program projects, which fall under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The awards will help local governments, land trusts, and nonprofit organizations enhance green spaces in underserved communities across 14 counties. An additional $567,382 in grants for two projects will be presented for approval at a future BPW meeting.
The Greenspace Equity Program was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2023. It supports the “creation, preservation, and improvement of public green spaces, enhancing the public health and community livability in overburdened and underserved communities,” according to the press release announcing the grants. The legislation defines an area as “overburdened” if certain environmental health metrics show they are more affected by pollution than other areas, and if they are underserved based on income levels and other measures.
During its first funding round, the program received 40 applications requesting more than $11 million. Ultimately, 22 projects were chosen, including new trails, parks, urban farms, gathering spaces, community woodlands, and gardens. The Greenspace Equity Advisory Board consulted with the DNR to implement the program.
“The Greenspace Equity Program helps close the gap in green space protection and access for communities that have often been left behind, and develops a sense of stewardship among all Marylanders,” said Josh Kurtz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “This investment in communities will help ensure all Marylanders have access to a cleaner environment and more outdoor recreation space.”
The three-member Board of Public Works includes Governor Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. Next year, the Greenspace Equity Program has $7 million budgeted by Moore for Fiscal Year 2026, which the General Assembly has allocated to three specific projects.
Some of the projects approved for Fiscal Year 2025 include:
Anne Arundel County
Truxtun Green Network TrailsThe City of Annapolis will create trails connecting the Eastport community with Truxtun Park and Spa Creek Trail in Anne Arundel County. $700,000
Baltimore City
Baltimore Greenway Trails
Funding will help acquire abandoned rail parcels to expand a 3-mile linear park system, promoting safe, equitable transportation and recreation. $733,000
Springfield Woods Legacy Leaders Phase 2 Improvements
Led by Baltimore Green Space, the project implements phase 2 improvements at Springfield Woods in Baltimore City by developing additional pathways, gathering areas, and interpretive signage. $84,030
Baltimore County
Graystone Community Open Space Improvements
A partnership between NeighborSpace of Baltimore County and Graystone Community Association will purchase and install benches, walkways, native plantings, a Little Free Library, and associated site amenities in the Graystone Community Open Space. $18,735
Cecil County
North East Preserve Improvements
The Town of North East will clear three parcels of land it acquired for development into a future nature preserve in Cecil County. This land will be made accessible to the public for educational and recreational greenspace. $68,165
Frederick County
Thurmont Trolley Trail – Northern Extension
The Town of Thurmont will extend the Thurmont Trolley Trail in Frederick County by about 1,900 feet. The proposed trail will be a loop and include benches, signage, pet waste dispensers, screening along residential property lines, and associated site amenities. $75,400
Garrett County
Bloomington Hero’s Park Revitalization
The Bloomington Fire Company will install playground equipment and safety surfacing consistent with National Playground Safety Standards and the ADA. $275,000
Swan Meadow Ag-venture Park
Led by Swan Meadow Heritage Charter School, the park will introduce inclusive play features for children of all abilities. $338,000
Montgomery County
Reach Hub Urban Farm
A collaboration between the Charles Koiner Center and Montgomery Public Schools will bring sustainable farming education and community engagement to nearly 18,000 students. $302,185
Dorothy’s Woods Improvements
The City of Takoma Park will improve an undeveloped parcel into a passive park by removing impervious surfaces and invasive species and replanting with low meadow, native, deer-resistant understory plants and trees. $82,000
Prince George’s County
Berwyn Heights Green Haven Initiative
The Town of Berwyn Heights will purchase and install trees, pollinator gardens, and seating to provide a natural retreat for the Berwyn Heights community. $17,000
Colmar Manor Town Hall Native Pollinator Garden
The Town of Colmar Manor will create a pollinator garden with a sitting area next to the Colmar Manor town hall and community center. $17,900
Worcester County
John Walter Smith Park Walking Trail
Improvements at the park will include installing new walking trails, a new play module, a new pavilion, renovating restrooms, replacing fencing, landscaping, and adding picnic tables, grills, bleachers, securing lighting, water fountains, and other park amenities. $100,000
