Subject
title
Consider acceptance of the $1,500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to fund design, grading, excavation, installation of utilities as well as construct pathways, a playground, meadow restoration, community gardens, purchase picnic tables, signage, and trash cans at RedGate Park and Arboretum, consistent with the RedGate Park Master Plan.
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Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor and Council of Rockville accept a grant of $1,500,000 administered by the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), funded by the National Parks Service (NPS) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This grant has a dollar-for-dollar match requirement, and the matching funds are already included within the RedGate Park Master Plan Implementation (RE23) CIP project (Attachment 1).
Discussion
The city has been awarded a LWCF grant of $1,500,000 for selected design and construction of infrastructure and amenities within RedGate Park and Arboretum. On April 7, 2025, the Mayor and Council approved and authorized the city manager to sign the grant agreement (Attachment 2). The LWCF Notice of Award was sent to the city on August 20, 2025, and is included as Attachment 3. The staff presentation for this item is Attachment 4.
The funds for this grant originate from the NPS LWCF State Assistance Program. Among other requirements, acceptance of the LWCF fund requires compliance with the Land and Water Conservation Act of 1965 <https://www.congress.gov/committee-report/105th-congress/senate-report/311/1>. Section 6(f)(3) of the LWCF Act of 1965 notes that “sites receiving assistance are to be opened, operated, and maintained in perpetuity for ‘public outdoor recreation use’, or be replaced by lands of equal market value and recreation usefulness.” It is important to note that at the corner of Avery Road and Norbeck Road (Rt 28), there is a 7.7-acre area within RedGate Park that was purchased with LWCF funds in the early 1970s. Future development and uses for this portion of the park/property are already restricted by an LWCF easement. A link to the LWCF State Assistance Program Manual is included: FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MANUAL LWCF Manual v72.1 <https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/v72-1.htm> - Land and Water Conservation Fund (U.S. National Park Service)
Impact Statements
Equity
The RedGate Park Master Plan is grounded in the City of Rockville’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The planning process was designed to ensure that the voices of community members across ages, backgrounds, abilities, and identities were heard and reflected in the master plan. Through extensive community engagement opportunities, including surveys, open houses, and online participation, residents and stakeholders from across the city and beyond helped shape a shared vision for how RedGate Park and Arboretum can best serve the diverse needs of the Rockville community.
Equity is reflected in both the process and the outcome. The master plan prioritizes spaces that are flexible, welcoming, and adaptable to a wide range of cultural, recreational, educational, and wellness activities. It emphasizes physical and programmatic accessibility, ensuring that everyone can experience and benefit from the site’s amenities. The concepts include connections to surrounding neighborhoods, integrating inclusive community uses such as social connection, accessibility to nature, environmental education, nature-based playgrounds, collective growing spaces, and preserving land for mental and physical wellness opportunities.
Nature plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of underserved, low-income communities by offering accessible spaces for physical activity, mental restoration, and social connection. Green spaces like parks, community gardens, and urban forests can serve as sanctuaries from the stressors of daily life, providing a free and healing environment where residents can gather, exercise, and reconnect with the natural world. Exposure to nature has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved mood, and better overall health-benefits that are especially critical in areas where access to healthcare and wellness resources may be limited. Moreover, investing in nature-rich infrastructure in these communities fosters environmental justice, helping to address disparities in air quality, climate resilience, and public health outcomes.
RedGate Park and Arboretum serves the entire Rockville community and is identified as moderately disproportionate disadvantaged according to the Community Equity Index Explorer provided by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The area is the highest disadvantaged area within Rockville. The park is also located in an overburdened and underserved area as identified in the MDEnviroScreen EJ Score. The MDEnvironScreen identifies communities with environmental justice concerns in Maryland.
Environment
The RedGate Park Master Plan embraces environmental stewardship as a core principle. The plan seeks to preserve and enhance the park’s natural features while also considering sustainable design strategies that support ecological health, energy efficiency, and long-term resilience.
RedGate Park and Arboretum has 130 acres of open space and forest that serves as a vital environmental asset, acting as a green lung that improves air quality, supports biodiversity, and mitigates the effects of climate change. Such expansive natural areas absorb carbon dioxide, filter pollutants, and produce oxygen, helping to combat urban air pollution. They also provide critical habitats for native plants and wildlife, fostering ecological balance and preserving threatened species. Large parks help manage stormwater through natural filtration, reducing runoff and the risk of flooding in surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, the cooling effect of trees and open green space helps counteract the urban heat island effect, making cities more resilient and livable in the face of rising temperatures.
The community gardens, open lawns, meadows, pathways, trails, and accessible amenities will be thoughtfully integrated into the site’s community uses, maintaining a balance between built and natural environments. The park provides opportunities for recreation, reflection, and environmental education. Circulation improvements will be explored to encourage pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, reducing reliance on vehicles and fostering sustainable mobility.
Sustainability considerations will guide the site’s development, from use of native plantings and water conservation to stormwater management and energy efficiency. Meadow areas will incorporate native plantings and low-impact landscaping to support local biodiversity and improve environmental quality.
By prioritizing 90 percent of the park as passive with a commitment to ecological responsibility, the LWCF grant supports and strengthens the City of Rockville’s commitment to environmental sustainability and outdoor recreation. The development of RedGate Park and Arboretum is a model for environmentally conscious design, ensuring public open space will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Economy
RedGate Park and Arboretum development can be an economic engine for its surrounding community with increased property values and tourism opportunities. Large parks attract visitors for recreation, events, and nature experiences, which boosts local businesses such as restaurants, shops, and hotels. They also create employment opportunities in maintenance, programming, and hospitality. Moreover, proximity to expansive green spaces often raises real estate demand, leading to higher property values and increased tax revenues that can be reinvested in public services. By enhancing the quality of life and making neighborhoods more attractive to residents and investors, a large park becomes a catalyst for sustainable economic development.
RedGate Park and Arboretum supports a sustainable and inclusive local economy by transforming a former golf course into a dynamic community destination that fosters tourism, economic vitality, and increased property values.
Mayor and Council History
The grant agreement was approved by Mayor and Council on April 7, 2025. This is the second time this item has been presented to Mayor and Council.
Public Notification and Engagement
The Friends of RedGate Park Inc. spoke in support of accepting the LWCF grant at the Mayor and Council Community Forum on October 6, 2025.
Boards and Commissions Review
The Recreation and Park Advisory Board has been briefed on this grant opportunity. The Recreation and Park Advisory Board voted to advise the Mayor and Council against accepting this grant. Chairperson Jack Thirolf spoke at the Mayor and Council’s Community Forum on September 29, 2025.
Fiscal Impact
If awarded, the grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match. The RedGate Park Master Plan Implementation (RE23) CIP project has appropriated funds to meet this match requirement. The receipt of additional grant funds to support this capital project will reduce the unfunded portion of the project.
Next Steps
If accepted by Mayor and Council, staff will work with DNR to implement the grant.