This project funds parkland acquisitions that serve residents in all areas of the County and in all park types. This project covers the cost of land plus acquisition expenses such as land surveys, appraisals, settlement expenses, and other acquisition-related costs. The project also funds expenses to make new parkland safe and secure upon acquisition, e.g. removing attractive nuisances, demolitions, interim improvements, posting properties, securing structures, cleaning up sites, etc. Acquisitions can include new parks or additions to existing parks. To the extent possible, the Commission acquires parkland through dedication at the time of subdivision; however, to meet all parkland needs in a growing and changing County, this method must be supplemented by a direct land purchase program.

2022 Park, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board, adopted area master plans, and functional master plans guide the parkland acquisition program. This PDF provides latitude to acquire properties consistent with master plans and Commission policies.

$853K provided from Program Open Space in FY24. Reduced Program Open Space funding in FY25 by $500k to account for the lower POS Allocation received from State.

Expenditures will continue indefinitely. M-NCPPC asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

Legacy Open Space PDF 018710, Legacy Urban Space PDF 872104, ALARF: M-NCPPC PDF 727007, Bethesda Park Impact Payment PDF 872002, Mid-County Park Benefit Payments PDF872201.