Changes to the Laurel Park Racetrack leave community funding in question

Community members worry that a fund used to support local nonprofits in the area surrounding Laurel Park’s historic race track may run dry once the course transitions into a training facility.

In early July, Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved the purchase of the 115-year-old track for nearly $50 million. The move resurrected the park, which was slated to close, and marked the beginning of the state’s more than $120 million effort to revitalize the venue and turn it into a training center.

Maryland Stadium Authority Chair Craig Thompson previously described the transaction to the Banner as “the preservation of a storied racing facility.”

But nearby residents and leaders of local nonprofits fear that the loss of the races could also lead to the loss of a state fund intended to offset the impact of the high-traffic events.

The Maryland General Assembly, which controls the Laurel Race Impact Fund, disburses $500,000 in grants to groups in the three jurisdictions abutting Laurel Park — Prince George’s, Howard and Anne Arundel counties — with the largest share going toward Anne Arundel, where the majority of the park is located.

In recent years, the state grants have provided tens of thousands of dollars to nonprofits within 3 miles of the track, as well as the Anne Arundel County Public Library system and the Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department. The money comes from a fund made up of a percentage of the proceeds from state casinos and slot machine games.

“I don’t know if, when it becomes a training center, if that [money] will continue,” said Sen. Pam Beidle, who represents the district.

But it should continue, she said, given how the county has been able to use the money to help so many local organizations, and because a new training center may bring its own inconveniences.

Del. Mark Chang, whose district includes Laurel Park, agreed, adding that he’s already started speaking with fellow representatives about finding ways to keep the program funded.

At a Monday event, the Arundel Community Development Services announced plans to disburse $357,190 between a dozen groups, including the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.

The food bank received the maximum amount of $50,000 in what was their fourth year being awarded the grant. Chief Executive Officer Leah Paley referred to the money as “very critical to their operation,” especially amid rising food demand.

She explained that the money is used to support their mobile pantry and distribution of fresh food to local schools through their Laurel Race Course Area Pantry Project.

“It’s in the back of my mind that this will go away,” she said after accepting her grant.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said that he’s heard from Bill Knauf, the chief executive of the Maryland Jockey Club, which is expected to run the park’s daily operations, and that Knauf plans to advocate for the fund.

Sheryl DeWalt, who lived near the park for 17 years, said at the event that losing this money would be “detrimental.” The Maryland City Communities Association, where DeWalt is a board member, also received $50,000 and is using the money for the beautification of Route 198, which has road medians in need of repair. The money will also go toward beautifying two schools, the Monarch Academy Public Charter School and Brock Bridge Elementary School.

“I want to hear that they’re not going to take away this grant,” she said, adding that she would like to see more residents providing oversight of the grant committee.

The committee previously awarded money to support litter removal and install a public basketball court in Bacontown. In fiscal year 2025, the fund served 44,000 residents through initiatives set up around Laurel, said Gabby Reed, a spokeswoman for the Anne Arundel Office of the County Executive.

Chair of the committee and Councilwoman Julie Hummer, whose district includes Laurel, said the funds are an important way to support the surrounding neighborhoods.

The training facility alone won’t add much to the community’s tax revenue, unless more development occurs in the area, she said.

The funds are legislated to continue for another five years.

“After that, we’ll have to see,” Hummer said.