The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently highlighted six new or expanded public land projects across the state, including Freedman’s State Park , a 1,000-acre park in northern Montgomery County that is now welcoming visitors while development continues.
Located near the community of Sunshine, just outside Brookeville, Freedman’s State Park was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2022 and officially dedicated on May 15, 2026. The park was among the projects highlighted in a November 5 update from DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz , who discussed the state’s ongoing efforts to expand public access to outdoor recreation while preserving historically significant properties.
Freedman’s State Park was previously part of the 6,700-acre Patuxent River State Park and encompasses land once owned and farmed by Enoch George Howard, his wife Harriet, and their descendants. The park tells the story of an African American family that overcame enslavement to become prosperous and influential landowners in northern Montgomery County.
According to DNR, Enoch George Howard and his family purchased their freedom from slavery and established a thriving Black community in the area....