In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Parks and recreation unit” means a governmental unit designated or created under § 1–604 of this subtitle to administer a program. “Program” means a program of public recreation and parks.

This subtitle does not apply to Charles County.

This subtitle is additional and supplemental to any law governing a program.

The governing body of a county or municipality may: establish and maintain a program for the benefit of the residents of the county or municipality; and create or designate a parks and recreation unit to administer the program.

A parks and recreation unit may: maintain a park or recreational facility; and conduct recreation and park activities. The parks and recreation unit may employ an administrative officer and other personnel as necessary and as authorized by the governing body of the county or municipality. The parks and recreation unit may organize volunteer groups or councils to aid in the implementation of the program.

If the governing body of a county or municipality determines that a board or commission shall provide and conduct a program, by local law, ordinance, or resolution, the governing body shall create a board or commission. The board or commission shall have the powers granted to it by the governing body. In accordance with subsection (c) of this section, the governing body of the county or municipality shall determine the membership of the board or commission and the terms of office and compensation of the members. Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a board or commission established by a county shall include: one member of the county governing body; and one member or representative of the county board of education. A member designated under paragraph (1) of this subsection: shall serve a term of 1 year; and may be reappointed. In Frederick County: the county commissioner on the board or commission serves for a term coextensive with the member’s term of elected office; and a member of the county board of education is a member of the board or commission.

The governing body of a county or municipality may establish and maintain any property owned or leased by the county or municipality for use as a park or recreational facility. In accordance with applicable law, and subject to subsection (c) of this section, the governing body of a county or municipality may acquire or lease any property inside or outside its corporate limits for use as a park or recreational facility. This subtitle does not grant or restrict the power of condemnation.

The governing body of a county or municipality may appropriate money for the operation, equipment, and maintenance of a park or recreational facility.

In the manner provided by law for the issuance of bonds for other purposes, the governing body of a county or municipality may issue bonds to: acquire property for use as a park or recreational facility; acquire the equipment for a park or recreational facility; redesign, improve, construct, develop, or extend a park or recreational facility; or provide for any appropriate capital item in cooperation with other governmental units under § 1–610 of this subtitle.

The governing body of a county or municipality, by and through the parks and recreation unit or other designated unit, may join or cooperate with a federal, State, or other local governmental unit or community recreation council to acquire, lease, or maintain a park or recreational facility or provide or conduct a park or recreational activity.

The governing body of a county or municipality, by and through the parks and recreation unit or other designated unit, may accept: a gift of property for use as a park or recreational facility; or other contributions for parks and recreation purposes.