Prince George's parks agency outlines FY26 capital plan; council raises concerns about fund balances and procurement equity

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission presented its amended fiscal 2026 capital improvement program for the Department of Parks and Recreation on April 29, detailing a larger first‑year capital budget and new cost pressures while council members expressed concern about fund balances and procurement rules.

Peter Shapiro, chair of the Prince George's County Planning Board and Commission, joined Director Tyler and Claire Wurstel, capital budget manager, to outline the department's priorities and funding changes. Wurstel said the amended CIP shows a $1.8 million increase in general obligation bond funding, a $1.45 million increase in state bond funding and a $776,000 increase in state Program Open Space funding, bringing the amended first‑year budget to $129,700,000 and a six‑year expected spend of about $440,000,000.

The presentation emphasized four FY26 priorities: stewarding existing assets, fully funding current projects, growing inventory to meet demographic changes, and equitable distribution of projects. Wurstel said the department is using an asset‑management approach to prioritize playgrounds, athletic fields and trails and cited the county’s adopted 2040 functional master plan and the 2022 Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan as policy guides.

Wurstel also warned…