Subject
title
Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Project Agreement with the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to proceed with a grant agreement to apply for a $1,500,000 grant to fund Phase II for grading, excavation as well as build pathways, bridges, deck overlook, and signage, at RedGate Park and Arboretum, consistent with the RedGate Park Master Plan.
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Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council of Rockville approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the project agreement (Attachment A) to apply for a $1,500,000 grant administered by the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources funded from the National Parks Service (NPS) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This grant has a dollar-for-dollar match requirement, and the matching funds would need to be included within the RedGate Park Master Plan Implementation (RE23) CIP project.
Discussion
The Recreation and Parks Department has been given preliminary approval (Attachment B) to apply for a competitive grant from the DNR. The funds originate from the NPS LWCF State Assistance Program. DNR will submit the final proposal to the NPS on the City’s behalf.
Among other requirements, acceptance of the LWCF fund requires compliance with the Land Water Conservation Act of 1965. <https://www.congress.gov/congressional-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 all but two small exclusion areas near the clubhouse and Taft Court are already within a LWCF restriction as described above (attachment D).
The City must also comply with the LWCF Grants Manual requirements which incorporate the US Department of Interior standard terms and conditions for federal financial assistance, updated July 2025. By approving this Project Sponsor Agreement for the Phase II scope of work, the City is agreeing to the same terms affecting the property pursuant to the Phase I grant and indicates it will accept the grant subject to confirming its terms and conditions if NPS makes an award to the City.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council of Rockville approved an LWCF Phase I grant for $1.5 million at the November 17, 2025 meeting. The scope of work for Phase II project sponsor agreement is based on the Master Plan (attached Exhibit C) similar to Phase I, and no changes have occurred to the terms and requirements associated with Phase I award accepted in November 2025.
Fiscal Impact
This grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match. If awarded, the RedGate Park Master Plan Implementation (RE23) (Attachment C) CIP project would require $1,500,000 in matching funds from the city in FY 2027.
Next Steps
Phase II of the LWCF grant is consistent with the previously approved Phase I. If approved by Mayor and Council, staff will work with State of Maryland DNR representative to complete the grant application process.