Grant funding helps preserve, expand green spaces across Maryland

PRINCESS ANNE, Md.- “We want to see that level of activity increasing,” Samis said.

Just over a year ago, The Manokin River Park Commission was re-established. President Carrie Samis says they’ve been working tirelessly with the town of Princess Anne, residents, and community partners to identify needs and improvements for the green space. “A lot of people don’t realize exactly how big the park is. So, there’s a lot of space that the public can utilize. We can also figure out new ways to use it as well,” Samis said.

Governor Wes Moore recently announced more than $100 million in grants to preserve and build up a variety of green spaces across Maryland.

Manokin Park was just one of many awarded grant funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Community Parks & Playgrounds program. “The goal is to really expand and enhance public access to recreation and open space throughout Maryland,” DNR’s Director of Land Acquisition and Planning Unit Hilary Bell said.

A total of $2.5 million in Community Parks & Playgrounds funds will be spread across 20 projects including existing parks and the creation of new ones.

DNR says preserving and upgrading these outdoor areas can be a big benefit for the local economy. “Businesses can move there, it can spur additional investments in the community, and home values can increase. In additional, tourism is a big driver of the economy in Maryland,” Bell said.

Samis tells us the over $98,000 they’re receiving will go towards the installation of a permanent restroom facility in the park. She says that’s just one of the items on the list to make the space the recreational hub it will be. “We want people to come down and to utilize the beautiful green space, right on the Manokin River right in the middle of our downtown,” Samis said.

The Department of Natural Resources tells us the next step will be to present those projects to the Board of Public Works for final approval. DNR also tells us enhancing those spaces can have a variety of social and emotion benefits.

Main Street Princess Anne recently grant funding to purchase a variety of security cameras to be placed in several areas of downtown, including Manokin River Park.

A Back-to-School Bash is slated for later this month to support local families.