WHEATON, Md.—Montgomery Parks received more than $6 million in capital funding from the State of Maryland during the 2026 legislative session for seven park projects and the expansion of the department’s solar energy initiative. The department will use the funding to renovate parks and playgrounds in various legislative districts in Montgomery County. The solar energy initiative funding will contribute to the goal of doubling the department’s 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 Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks. “I’m grateful to all the legislators who sponsored bond bills for their districts.”
Montgomery Parks 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 an aging park system.
The solar energy initiative received $2,535,000 to enable the parks department to design and construct rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems across a range of park facilities over the next five years. Examples of projects include solar installations at Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena, Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center, Wheaton Sports Pavilion, Northwest Branch Recreational Park, among several others.
“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,” added Figueredo. “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).
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages 416 parks and more than 37,000 acres of parkland. Our parks, programs, and facilities promote physical activity, social connection, and environmental stewardship. As part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks is committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible park experiences. M-NCPPC has been stewarding public lands since 1927 and has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
###