In this subtitle, “full–time park employee” means an individual employed by the county Parks and Recreation Department who: works at least 37.5 hours each week, excluding Commission holidays; and has been employed by the Department for more than 1 year without interruption.

This subtitle applies only in Prince George’s County.

The county planning board shall designate a director to coordinate its county recreation program with the Commission’s park functions.

The county planning board shall employ full–time park employees and part–time employees as necessary to carry out the functions and programs of Title 25, Subtitle 8 of this article.

The county planning board shall employ full–time park employees under the Commission’s merit system, as provided in Subtitle 1 of this title. Full–time park employees shall receive the same employment benefits that other employees receive under the Commission’s merit system, including: annual leave; sick leave; health benefits; and retirement benefits.

The county planning board may employ part–time or temporary employees for a period of time and at a salary as the county planning board may determine. The county planning board may accept the services of volunteers without compensation.

Employees employed by the recreation department on July 1, 1970, who are employed under the county merit system shall be employed by the Commission: to further the functions and programs of Title 25, Subtitle 8 of this article; in a position classification that the county planning board may establish; and at a pay grade not less than that held by the employee under the county merit system. Employees transferred to the Commission under this subtitle shall be given credit for sick and annual leave accrued under the county merit system and for any other benefits, privileges, and rights accrued while employed by the county.

The county planning board may adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.