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Athletic Field Amenity Donation Policy: September 2026 Draft

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Section 1. Policy statement

Montgomery Parks is committed to enhancing the quality of its users’ experiences and expanding athletic field capacity. The Athletic Field Amenity Donation Policy (“Policy”) provides a structured opportunity for donors to contribute dedicated funding or convey new parkland intended to help achieve these goals.  Montgomery Parks’ long-term goal is to increase athletic field capacity through such amenities as: field lighting, batting cages, practice walls, dugouts, and year-round turf fields. This Policy is intended to help fulfill this mission by leveraging private investment. Donations secured through this Policy will allow donors to play an active role in shaping the future of athletic field amenities in Montgomery County.

  1. Policy Limitations. This Policy does not provide donors with exclusive access to the amenities made possible by their donations[1]. All donations are intended to benefit the broader community and ensure continued public access to athletic fields and associated amenities.
  2. Relationship with Other Programs. This Policy operates independently from, and is not automatically linked to, other Montgomery Parks initiatives (i.e. existing historic partnerships and/or lease agreements, etc.).
  3. Donation Costs.  This Policy establishes donation tiers and standardized athletic field amenity costs that account for installation, maintenance, and lifecycle replacement costs. Costs established for donated amenities will be based on features that are durable, require minimal maintenance, and withstand heavy unsupervised public use in a wide variety of weather conditions. All donations will be reviewed and approved by staff to ensure that the proposed amenities meet Montgomery Parks’ standards to ensure long-term value and continued enjoyment for the community. The cost of amenities will be adjusted every year in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. All costs will be reviewed every two years for any additional project cost fluctuation.
  4. Public Ownership and Equitable Access Safeguards. All donated amenities are public assets, owned and controlled by Montgomery Parks, and are subject to standard permitting, scheduling and use policies.  Although donors may be eligible to receive Priority Use Status for adding capacity to athletic fields through this Policy, donors are not entitled to reduced permit fees for their donations.  Donations are voluntary and do not provide exclusive use of any donated amenities.
  5. Donated Amenity Lifecycle. The intent of this Policy is to secure donations that last a minimum of 15-years from the date of installation. Specific lifecycles will be determined by staff at the time the donation is approved based on criteria such as:[2]Amenity materials, anticipated use and normal wear and tear. After 15-years, Montgomery Parks staff will evaluate the condition and use of the amenity and will determine whether the amenity should be removed, removed and replaced, or continue service. If staff determines that the amenity is at the end of its serviceable life and should be removed, the donor will be given an opportunity to donate additional funds to replace the amenity. If the donor declines to make an additional donation to replace the amenity, Montgomery Parks may remove the amenity or allocate funds for its replacement at Parks staff discretion. Montgomery Parks reserves the right to remove any donation, before the conclusion of the 15-year period or anytime thereafter, made through this Policy for any reason.
  6. Public Outreach. All athletic field amenities made possible by donations through this Policy may be subject to community feedback through a public input process, depending on anticipated impacts. Montgomery Parks staff will evaluate each proposed project by balancing its potential benefit to the public with its potential impact on the surrounding community and other athletic field amenities.
  7. Administration. This policy shall be administered by Montgomery Parks and Montgomery Parks Foundation staff. Non-standard amenities may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Donations that are novel, precedent-setting, or of significant scale may be referred to either the Parks Director, Board of Trustees of the Parks Foundation, or the Planning Board at staff’s discretion.

Section 2. Donation Tiers 

Montgomery Parks’ donation tier framework offers a clear, structured pathway for community members and organizations to support the enhancement of athletic field amenities. Each tier reflects a different level of project readiness and financial commitment necessary to advance specific projects. As outlined below, the donation tiers range from projects already programmed in the six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to unprogrammed amenities that are not identified in the CIP. Specific tiers are provided for general donations that do not identify a specific amenity and for donations of new parkland. As described below, these tiers give donors meaningful options to invest in the park system’s growth while ensuring every project aligns with community needs, environmental standards, and Montgomery Parks’ long‑term vision.

Tier 1 – Planned CIP Projects

This tier is designed for projects already included in Montgomery Parks’ 6-year Athletic Field Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Donors who wish to support amenities in Tier 1 must contribute a minimum of 50% of project cost to any currently identified Athletic Field CIP project. Projects made possible by donations under Tier 1 will be programmed for implementation once the donation thresholds have been met and matching funds are allocated by Montgomery Parks. Project programming and implementation for donations made possible under Tier 1 of this Policy will be subject to matching fund availability from Montgomery Parks.  Projects listed in the 6-year Athletic Field CIP will be updated every two years to reflect completed projects, evolving priorities, and community needs.

Tier 2 – Long-Term Goal Projects

This tier focuses on initiatives aligned with Montgomery Parks’ strategic long-term goals for athletic field amenities that are identified but unfunded in the current 6 year CIP cycle. [3] Donors who wish to support amenities in Tier 2 must contribute a minimum of 75% for the projects cost to any amenity that supports one of Montgomery Parks Long-Term Goals.  Project programming and implementation for donations made possible under Tier 2 of this Policy will be subject to matching fund availability from Montgomery Parks. Project implementation may be expedited if donations exceed 75% of the total project cost.

Tier 3 – Unplanned Projects

This tier is intended for projects that are not currently identified in either Montgomery Parks’ 6-year Athletic Field CIP or Montgomery Parks’ strategic long-term goals for athletic field amenities. Donors supporting Tier 3 projects must fund 100% of the project cost, plus any additional fees necessary to cover ongoing maintenance, as determined by Parks staff at the time of the donation. Project programming and implementation for donations made possible under Tier 3 of this Policy will begin following approval of the donation by Montgomery Parks staff and receipt of the donation by the Montgomery Parks Foundation.

Tier 4 – General Donations

This tier allows donors to contribute to the general Athletic Field CIP without specifically identifying an athletic field amenity. Donors supporting Tier 4 projects must contribute a minimum of $5,000. These unrestricted funds will be allocated to an Athletic Field CIP project at the discretion of Montgomery Parks and the Montgomery Parks Foundation to a project within a year of donation, providing flexibility to address emerging needs and maximize community impact.

Tier 5 – Land Donation and Field Construction

This tier is intended for donors who wish to donate land and funds to construct new athletic field amenities or construct and convey new athletic field amenities for public use. Projects under this tier may include land acquisition, site preparation, athletic field construction, and associated infrastructure in accordance with Montgomery Parks standards.

  1. Donors participating in this tier are required to fund 100% of all costs, including but not limited to: land acquisition or donation-related expenses, environmental due diligence, site design, permitting, construction, and any required off-site improvements. All amenities must meet Montgomery Parks’ standards prior to acceptance.
  2. Dedication of land to Montgomery Parks shall occur upon final acceptance of the amenity, at which point the property becomes a public asset owned, operated, and maintained by Montgomery Parks. Any land donated to Montgomery Parks must include funding to develop the property as an athletic field amenity in accordance with Montgomery Parks’ standards. Any donation of land made possible by Tier 5 of this Policy is subject to legal review, environmental review, and approval by the Montgomery Parks Director and, as determined by staff, the Planning Board.
  3. Montgomery Parks will evaluate each proposed donation under Tier 5 on a case-by-case basis to ensure alignment with park planning objectives, long-term maintenance capacity, environmental sustainability, and community benefit.

Section 3. Donation Proposal Review and Approval Process

Montgomery Parks staff will review and recommend next steps to the Parks Director in a timely manner. The review and approval process is described generally below.

  1. Donation Proposal Submission.  Prospective donors initiate the staff review process by submitting a donation proposal to the Montgomery Parks Foundation. The Foundation will refer the donation proposal to Parks staff for review.
  2. Project-Specific Donation Review Process. Parks Staff will complete a comprehensive review of all proposed donations to ensure that the proposed donation  aligns with Montgomery Parks’ standards and community goals. This review period typically takes between 8 to 13 weeks to complete, however, the actual review time may vary based on staff resources and the scope and complexity of the proposal.
    • Initial Donation Proposal Evaluation-The Park Planning and Stewardship Division conducts a preliminary review to confirm that the proposal meets minimum project standards, including eligibility of amenities, suitable locations, environmental sustainability, and community impact.
    • Interdisciplinary Team Review- A cross-functional team of Montgomery Parks staff thoroughly evaluates the project to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and operational feasibility. As part of this interdisciplinary team review, staff will evaluate Operating Budget Impacts (OBI) that consider future maintenance and operational costs associated with the new amenity.
    • Parks Director Approval- All donations require final review and approval from the Montgomery Parks Director prior to acceptance.
    • Facilitation of Donation- Upon approval by the Parks Director, the Parks Foundation works with the donor (organization, group, or individual) to facilitate the receipt of the donated funds. Donated funds will be allocated to the appropriate Capital Improvement Project (CIP) fund.
    • Project Initiation- Upon receipt and allocation of donated funds, Montgomery Parks will initiate the project programming and implementation of donations subject to matching fund availability from Montgomery Parks, if applicable.

Section 4. Eligible Amenities and Field Capacity

  1. Athletic Field Lighting. Field lighting increases field capacity by extending a field’s playable hours into the evening. This added field capacity creates more opportunities for community members to participate in sports year-round. Field lighting significantly increases field utilization. Adding field lighting in strategic locations is part of Montgomery Parks’ long term athletic field amenity goals.
  2. Athletic Field Sport Conversion. Community needs for specific athletic fields change over time as new sports emerge and other sports lose momentum. This change often leaves sport-specific fields underutilized while new sports struggle to find field space. Field sport conversation is one way to reengage underutilized fields by converting an athletic field facility type from one sport to another to accommodate community needs.
  3. Batting Cages. Batting cages expand recreational opportunities and increase field capacity by increasing field space for team practices. These facilities allow for skill development even when fields are too wet for use and are ideal for both small group and individual training sessions. Batting cages installed at Regional and Recreational Parks that have Game Only fields are part of Montgomery Parks’ long term athletic field amenity goals.
  4. Dugouts.  Dugouts enhance the game day experience by providing a designated shelter and team area for players and coaches during games. Dugouts at Game Only fields are one of Montgomery Parks’ long term athletic field goals.
  5. Rebound Walls. This facility type allows players to practice ball handling skills, either individually or as a small group, adjacent to rectangular fields for sports such as lacrosse or soccer. Practice/Bounce-back Walls provide recreational opportunities when fields are closed during winter or wet weather events.
  6. Year-Round Turf Field Conversion.  Converting natural grass fields to an artificial turf playing surface substantially increases an athletic field’s playable hours. Year-Round Turf fields can sustain significantly higher levels of use in a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year with limited maintenance needs. The conversion of natural grass fields to artificial turf fields is often paired with the addition of field lighting to maximize year-round field use. Year-Round Turf fields are part of Montgomery Parks long term athletic field amenity goals and will be considered in strategic locations on a case-by-case basis.
  7. Non-Listed Amenities. Donors may submit donation proposals for non-listed amenities in Tier 3 for unplanned projects. Montgomery Parks will monitor the Athletic Field Amenity Donation program and may expand the list of eligible amenities or consider additional amenities under a pilot program based on the success of specific donations and/or donor proposals. The final determination to accept any non-listed amenities will be made by the Parks Director.  

Section 5. Benefits

  1. Donor Recognition Plaque. Donations that contribute to Tier 1 through Tier 3 levels will be recognized through donor signage. All donor recognition signage will be designed, fabricated, installed, and maintained in accordance with Montgomery Parks sign standards and guidelines. Montgomery Parks retains sole discretion over all aspects of recognition signage, including design, size, materials, content, placement, and duration of display. Signage may be modified, relocated, removed, or replaced due to natural wear, redevelopment, operational needs, safety considerations, or changes to the associated amenity or park site.
  2. Priority Use Status. Donors may be eligible for additional Priority Use of the field where their donation supports additional field capacity. Each donation will be reviewed by staff and considered on a case-by-case basis for Priority Use status, considering factors such as the current field type, existing user groups, location, permit types, amount of donation, and other relevant criteria. All decisions will be made considering public interest. Any Priority Use Hours granted to donors must remain within the limits established by the Athletic Field Permit Use Policy. 

[1] Donors may be eligible for additional Priority Use status, as set forth in the Athletic Field Use Permit Policy, at the discretion of Montgomery Parks staff.

[2] Some elements of donated amenities, such as the playing surfaces of year-round turf fields, may require replacement on a 10-12 year cycle based on field use and normal wear and tear. 

[3] Examples of projects eligible for funding in Tier 2 include, but are not limited to: installing dugouts at Game Only fields, adding batting cages or rebound walls at Regional or Recreational Parks with Game Only fields, upgrading lighting at select locations to increase field capacity, converting certain natural grass fields to year-round turf fields, or converting one type of athletic facility to another to meet community needs.