BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced that $14.8 million will be granted to local governments as well as land trusts to be used for the preservation of outdoor spaces.

The funds were was approved by the Board of Public Works on Wednesday.

The funding will be used for a variety of projects including the development of trails in Oregon Ridge Park, renovations to the concession and changing facilities at the Dorchester County Public Pool, and the permanent conservation of 328 acres in Baltimore, Queen Anne’s, Harford, and Washington counties.

The Rural Legacy program was also funded with $2 million going towards the preservation of the 328 acres.

The Program Open Space Local funding will be used for the planning, purchase, and development of recreational land and facilities by county and municipal governments. This includes the installation of playgrounds at the Hillcrest Heights Community Center in Prince George’s County.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said that the expansion of access to natural areas was a key priority for the department. He said that the board of public works and the department of natural resources would continue to work with local communities and land trusts to increase access to these areas.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.