Ch. 227

LAWS OF MARYLAND

these purposes. It may appoint advisory committees or panels to
assist in the exercise of its powers and functions.

(d)  The board, with the approval of the BOARD OF county
commissioners, may accept real and personal property of all kinds
suitable for public parks, open space programs, and recreational
purposes, legal title to which shall always be in the board of
county commissioners. The BOARD OF county commissioners shall
appropriate in the annual budget of the county such sums as shall
be necessary to purchase land, construct improvements, and defray
expenses for the maintenance of park and recreation areas under
the control of the board and for the support of the park and
recreational programs. The acquisition of property, with the
approval of the BOARD OF county commissioners, may be by
purchase, condemnation, grant, bequest, devise, or lease of the
fee or any lessor interest, development right, assignment,
covenant, or other contractual right necessary for park and
recreation programs. The BOARD OF county commissioners have the
power to MAY sell or in any manner dispose of these parks and
recreational properties.

(e)  The board, subject to budgetary policies and
appropriations of the BOARD OF county commissioners, may
establish, adopt, direct, or cause to be conducted or directed a
comprehensive program of public recreation in schools, parks, or
other lands or buildings, either publicly or privately owned. It
further may develop, equip, operate, maintain, or issue permits
for the use of any facilities made available to the board and
make charges where appropriate. The initiative for all programs
shall come from the general public.

(f)  The control of any land, buildings, or other acceptable
facilities shall be in accord with agreements reached between the
board and the person, corporation, or agency having jurisdiction
over such properties. No power or authority conferred by this
section shall be construed to abridge or limit the power of the
BOARD OF county commissioners, the board of education, or of any
governmental agency, or of any person or corporation, to refuse
to permit or to limit the use of any ground, building, or
facility under their control, ownership or jurisdiction.

(g)  The board, subject to the approval of the BOARD OF
county commissioners, may contract with private organizations for
the initiation and maintenance of public recreation programs.

(h) The board shall submit to the BOARD OF county
commissioners an annual report of its activities, together with
recommendations for further activities and development of the
county recreation program. It shall also submit an annual
budget, pursuant to the requirements of law, itemizing the
appropriations necessary for the performance of its functions and
duties.

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