Charles County Seeks $1.26 Million State Grant To Expand White Plains Regional Park

LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County is seeking a $1.26 million grant to help transform part of White Plains Regional Park into a larger recreation destination featuring new basketball and pickleball courts, expanded parking, walking paths and other amenities.

The Charles County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a letter of support June 24 for the county’s application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Land and Water Conservation Fund. During the meeting, county officials said the project builds on decades of investment at White Plains Regional Park and responds directly to community requests for additional outdoor recreation opportunities.

If awarded, the grant would help fund the White Plains Park Improvements Project, which would redevelop part of the existing White Plains Golf Course driving range into a modern recreation area designed to serve the county’s growing population.

Charles County has committed $1,339,200 toward the project through county funds, county bonds and Program Open Space funding. That includes $1,122,200 budgeted through fiscal 2027 and another $217,000 planned for fiscal 2028. The county is seeking an additional $1.26 million through the Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program to help complete the project.

Planning Supervisor Ben Yeckley of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism told commissioners the park has benefited from the federal program before.

“The White Plains Regional Park has a history of successful LWCF investment, having received federal funding in 1973 that helped establish the recreational amenities that are there today,” Yackley said. “More than 50 years later, the county has an opportunity to build on that legacy and further enhance recreational opportunities for current and future generations.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is administered in Maryland by the Department of Natural Resources and provides a 50% reimbursement match for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation facilities. County officials said the program is highly competitive and helps ensure quality outdoor recreation opportunities remain available and accessible to the public for generations to come.

According to the county’s grant application, planning for the project included extensive community engagement and was guided by the county’s 2022 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan, which identified a need for additional outdoor recreation amenities in the White Plains area.

County officials said the improvements are intended to increase recreational opportunities while promoting healthy lifestyles and improving access to modern park facilities for both residents and visitors.

During the June 24 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved the letter of support without discussion following the staff presentation.

If the grant is approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the funding would help advance construction of the next phase of improvements at White Plains Regional Park as Charles County continues expanding recreational opportunities throughout the county.

Updating the LPPRP

The proposed improvements also align with Charles County’s long-term parks planning efforts. Under Maryland’s Program Open Space law, counties are required to update their Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan every five years. Charles County adopted its current plan in 2022 and has begun updating the document ahead of the next required submission in 2027. The plan helps identify recreation priorities and guides future investments in parks, trails and public recreation facilities. Learn more here.

Watch the full June 24, 2025 meeting on CCGTV.

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