HAGERSTOWN – The Hagerstown mayor and council reviewed and supported the city’s annual request for state recreation funds, outlining two community projects planned for fiscal year 2027 through Maryland’s Open Space Program initiative.
During the Nov. 18 work session, Director of Public Works Eric Deike presented the city’s proposed submission to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The program distributes state recreation dollars through Washington County, which scores and forwards local applications for final approval.
Deike told the council that the city has participated in the program for years and has received “hundreds of thousands of dollars” for park improvements across Hagerstown. The FY27 proposal includes two projects that aim to enhance recreation access for families and young residents.
The first project seeks funding to replace aging play equipment at Bridge Avenue Playground, a neighborhood park that has been a priority for gradual upgrades. The second support request is for installing an additional shade structure at the city skate park, which opened recently and currently has only one shaded area. Deike said the park continues to grow in popularity, and adding shaded seating will help accommodate regular daily use and special events.
Both projects would be submitted to the county by the end of December, the annual deadline for Program Open Space applicants.
Along with the FY27 request, Deike shared the city’s updated five-year capital plan, which Program Open Space requires to help state reviewers anticipate future proposals. The multiyear outline helps Washington County evaluate how individual projects fit into the region’s longer-term recreation priorities.
Council members expressed support for applying and noted the city’s ongoing commitment to upgrading parks and playgrounds in all neighborhoods.
“I’m good with that,” Mayor William McIntire said after Deike’s presentation, signaling the council’s consensus to move the city’s request forward.
The final Program Open Space awards will be determined later in the state’s funding cycle, following review at both the county and state levels.
