Community Picks Winning Design For St. Clement’s Shores Playground

LEONARDTOWN, Md. – It’s official: the future of play in St. Clement’s Shores is looking brighter—and a little more adventurous—thanks to more than 600 residents who weighed in on a new playground design.

St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks announced that Design No. 2, affectionately dubbed “Chutes and Ladders,” won the public vote earlier this month. The colorful layout will anchor a fully fenced playground set to open in spring 2026.

“The choices of design and color were very close,” the department shared in a public update. “However, design no. 2, ‘Chutes and Ladders,’ with a bright color scheme was the overall winner!”

County staff reviewed each survey response and used the feedback to make several enhancements. The upgraded design now includes a shaded toddler play area for ages 2–5, an additional slide on the main structure, a “mommy and me” swing, a scavenger hunt game, and an interactive play panel.

Fencing around the playground was confirmed from the start—a decision many parents appreciated. “As originally advertised, fencing around the entire playground is confirmed to provide parents with assistance in containing children at play,” the department noted.

However, the most frequent request outside the play area wasn’t something that could be installed right away.

“Survey responses also included many requests for additional adult seating,” the department stated. “For playground design, the Department prioritizes play equipment and safety items ahead of surplus seating.”

Instead, families are encouraged to bring portable lawn or sporting chairs with them. “Parents are welcome and encouraged to bring portable lawn/sporting chairs with them creating seating spaces during visits to any county playground,” the department added.

The playground redesign is part of a broader effort to modernize play areas across St. Mary’s County. “As playgrounds are replaced, shade and full fencing will be a priority for design considerations,” officials said.

More shade structures are planned for Chaptico Park, while full fencing will be added at Dorsey Park, Seventh District Park, and Fifth District Park in future updates.

For a deeper look at the design principles guiding this and other playgrounds, visit this link. More details on St. Clement’s Shores Park can be found here.