Land Acquisition and Planning

Friendship Farm - Corn fields and a dirt roadProgram Open Space - Local

Program Open Space – Local provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of recreation land or open space areas.

Established under the Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving our natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for our citizens.

Today more than 6,​900 park and conservation area projects have been assisted through Program Open Space Local grants.

Program Open Space 101

  • Acquires outdoor recreation and open space areas for public use.
  • Administers funds made available to local communities for open and recreational space by the Outdoor Recreation Land Loan of 1969 and from the Land and Water Conservation Fund of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Program Open Space Local - How to Apply

Program Open Space Local Annual Programs

Program Open Space Contacts - Who to Call