M-NCPPC Receives More than $8.5 Million in State Funding for Planning, Parks, and Recreation Projects in Prince George’s County

LARGO, MD – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) received $8.55 million for planning, parks, and recreation projects in Prince George’s County from the State of Maryland during the 2026 legislative session. Through capital grants, legislative bond initiatives (LBI), and miscellaneous grants, the state funding for Fiscal Year 2027 will provide additional resources for existing efforts in cultural arts, historic preservation, recreation, safety, and security. In addition, passed legislation will advance the County’s efforts in the areas of land use planning and economic development.

            “With budget challenges from the national and state stages to the local levels, we thank the Prince George’s County senate and house delegations who sponsored and advocated for bills that will enhance our communities,” said Darryl Barnes, Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board and The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. “Through advocacy day, meetings, office visits, and testimonies over the past 90 days, M-NCPPC leadership and staff are proud of our collaborative work to support legislation and funding for initiatives and projects that will benefit the residents throughout Prince George’s County for years to come.”

Funding Projects for Fiscal Year 2027:

·       Suitland Cultural Arts Implementation Strategy – $1 million Miscellaneous Grant for the planning, design, construction, and site improvement projects geared at cultural and economic development in the Suitland Arts District. Sponsored by Senator Nicholas P. Charles and Delegates Kent Roberson, Denise Roberts, and Karen R. Toles (District 25).

·       M-NCPPC Park Police, Prince George’s County Division Headquarters – $1.3 million Miscellaneous Grant for renovations on the park police headquarters to ensure safety and security. Sponsored by Senator Malcolm L. Augustine and Delegates Diana M. Fennell, Julian Ivey, and Deni L. Taveras (District 47).

·       Rollingcrest Chillum Community Center – $1.325 million Miscellaneous Grant and $425,000 LBI for the expansion of the community center and renovations of the adjacent aquatics facility. Sponsored by Senator Malcolm L. Augustine and Delegates Diana M. Fennell, Julian Ivey, and Deni L. Taveras (District 47).

·       Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC) Outdoor Facilities – $50,000 LBI for the planning, design, and construction of facilities for outdoor amenities at the multi-generational center. Sponsored by Senator Kevin M. Harris and Delegates Darrell Odom and Jeffrie E. Long, Jr. (District 27).

·       Wilmer’s Park – $200,000 Miscellaneous Grant and $250,000 LBI for the documentation of the historic sites, historic loop trail and interpretative signage, picnic areas, and ball fields and the associated infrastructure at the historic property. Sponsored by Senator Kevin M. Harris and Delegates Darrell Odom and Jeffrie E. Long, Jr. (District 27).

The Maryland General Assembly also approved funding for the acquisition, planning, design, construction, expansion, repair, renovation, reconstruction, site improvement, and capital equipping for the following properties:

·       Gunpowder Golf Course – $2 million Capital Grant

·       Dinosaur Park – $ 2 million Capital Grant sponsored by Senator James C. Rosapepe and Delegates Ben S. Barnes and Mary A. Lehman (District 21).

Legislative Priorities for Fiscal Year 2027:

M-NCPPC provided support and/or testimony for a list of bills including the following passed legislation:

·       House Bill 1247 Prince George’s County – Tax Increment Financing – Extraordinary Development District – Alterations PG 425-26

·       House Bill 1452 Economic Development - Prince George's County Suitland Development Authority – Established

·       House Bill 558 Prince George’s County – Alcoholic Beverages – Wine Festival Licenses PG 316–26

·       Senate Bill 325/House Bill 548 Land Use – Permitting – Development Rights (Maryland Housing Certainty Act)

·       House Bill 894 Land Use – Transit-Oriented Development – Alterations (Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act)

·       Senate Bill 197/House Bill 243 Land Use – Comprehensive and General Plans – Alternations of Elements