Crucial Funding for Montgomery Parks
In the past, we have been able to count on the support of our elected officials thanks to the continued advocacy of parks supporters and the Montgomery Parks Foundation.
May 2023
The Council’s approved FY24 operating budget and FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) recognize Parks’ key role in maintaining a high quality of life in the county and keeping county residents engaged, healthy, and happy.
The County Council provided $131 million in tax-supported funding for the Parks Department including restoration of almost $2.6 million to the Parks operating budget allowing maintenance funding to support new and improved park amenities, the expansion of our community special events program, enhancing the natural resources management of 27,000 acres of conservation land, and expanding our internship program. That program will bolster ongoing efforts to attract diverse candidates to Parks’ workforce.
Despite the overall good news, there will be some shortfalls. The $1.5 million cut will reduce the Parks Department’s capacity to acquire and preserve natural areas, farmland and historic properties throughout the county.
Individuals who wish to join the campaign to support the Montgomery Parks capital budget should contact the Montgomery Parks Foundation.
If you are looking for CIP Budget Information, please visit our Capital Improvements Project Page.
Thanks for Lending Your Voice!
“I’m a local resident living in North Bethesda/Rockville…I’m frequently on my bike on the Beach Drive Trail or, my favorite, The Bethesda Trolly Trail. The county spent lots of money to build a beautiful entrance to that trail on Edson Lane. Unfortunately, it is not well maintained and looks messy much of the time. I was an A.D. at one of Bethesda’s high Schools and know how importance maintenance it is to the longevity of our parks and recreation areas. Please help see that maintenance is not “deferred” to the detriment of our beautiful park and trail system,
-Gary
Thank you for all your hard work at securing funding to carry on the tradition of our parks.”