Montgomery Parks has received more than $6 million in capital funding from the State of Maryland during the 2026 legislative session to support seven park improvement projects across Montgomery County and expand the department’s solar energy initiative.
According to Montgomery Parks, the funding will help renovate parks and playgrounds in multiple legislative districts while also supporting a broader push to increase renewable energy production across park facilities. The department said the solar initiative funding will help it work toward doubling its solar power production over the next five years.
“In a challenging budget year, the Montgomery County delegation showed strong support for parks and secured funding that will help us deliver and improve several much-needed projects across the county,” said Montgomery Parks Director Miti Figueredo. “I’m grateful to all the legislators who sponsored bond bills for their districts.”
Montgomery Parks said it relies on additional capital funding sources, including state and federal grants, to supplement its six-year Capital Improvements Program and help maintain, repair, and renovate its aging park system.
Of the total funding, $2,535,000 will go toward the solar energy initiative, allowing the parks department to design and build rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems at a range of park facilities over the next five years. Examples of planned projects include solar installations at Cabin John Ice Rink, Wheaton Ice Arena, Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center, Wheaton Sports Pavilion, and Northwest Branch Recreational Park.
“Investing in solar power across our parks is one of the most practical ways to stretch public dollars while advancing Montgomery County’s climate goals,” Figueredo added. “This funding helps us generate clean energy on-site, reduce long-term operating costs, and reinvest those savings back into facilities and programs our communities rely on, today and for years to come.”
Capital grant-funded park projects for FY27 include:
Falls Road Local Park – $750,000 for design and construction of a park refresher to renovate and improve Hadley’s playground, as well as site furnishing upgrades.
This project was sponsored by Senator Brian Feldman and Delegates Linda K. Foley, David Fraser-Hidalgo, and Lily Qi (District 15).
Johnson’s Local Park – $1,000,000 for design and construction of a park refresher that includes improvements to restore a historic baseball field, historic interpretation, conversion of sports courts, picnic shelter improvements, playground replacement, improved accessibility, parking lot improvements, and site furnishings.
This project was sponsored by Senator Benjamin Kramer and Delegates Charlotte A. Crutchfield, Bonnie L. Cullison, and Vaughn M. Stewart III (District 19).
Maplewood-Alta Vista Local Park – $250,000 for a park refresher that includes sport court renovation, new picnic pavilion, parking lot improvements, stormwater management, accessibility improvements, trail connections, and site furnishings.
This project was sponsored by Senator Sara Love and Delegates Marc Korman, Sarah Wolek, and Teresa Saavedra Woorman (District 16).
Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park – $500,000 for design of a new, large-scale, accessible bocce court facility.
This project was sponsored by Senator Will Smith and Delegates Lorig Charkoudian, David Moon, and Jheanelle Wilkins (District 20).
Northwest Branch Recreational Park – $500,000 for athletic field lighting.
This project was sponsored by Senator Craig Zucker and Delegates Anne Kaiser, Bernice Mireku-North, and Pamela Queen (District 14).
Olney Manor Recreational Park – $250,000 for design of a new picnic shelter, parking lot improvements, and site furnishings.
This project was sponsored by Senator Craig Zucker and Delegates Anne Kaiser, Bernice Mireku-North, and Pamela Queen (District 14).
Wheaton Forest Local Park – $750,000 for a park refresher that includes sport court renovation, new picnic pavilion, parking lot improvements, stormwater management, accessibility improvements, and site furnishings.
This project was sponsored by Senator Jeff Waldstreicher and Delegates Aaron Kaufman, Emily Shetty, and Jared Solomon (District 18).
