Department of
Recreation and Parks
The Department of Recreation and Parks provides quality recreational and leisure opportunities to County residents and visitors via its parklands and open spaces, recreation and nature centers, and other specialized facilities.
ABOUT OUR INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
The Department of Recreation and Parks aims to modernize the delivery of its programs, advance equity and streamline services for all residents of Baltimore County via the launch of the CivicRec online platform, a Strategic Plan, and the Reimagine Recreation and Parks initiatives.
Recreation Centers
Status: Open
Monday, November 4, 2024
Recreation centers and programs are operating on a normal schedule.
The Department of Recreation and Parks upholds our purpose and goals through our mission, vision, and values.
Mission: To provide programs and places that celebrate and build community through innovative, sustainable and inclusive recreational opportunities, partners and facilities.
Vision: To provide high quality, diverse and accessible programs and services and facilities that enhance the quality of life for all ages, cultures and abilities throughout Baltimore County.
Values: We are “ready to serve!”
- Respect
- Equity
- Accountability
- Diversity
- Yes to Innovation
- Sustainability
- Engagement
- Responsive
- Visionary
- Excellence
PARK HIGHLIGHTS
Many Baltimore County parks are also home to the following:
- Agricultural Center and Farm Park
- Baltimore County Sailing Center
- Boat Ramps
- Dog Parks
- Fishing Centers
- Historic Sites
- Museums
- Nature Centers
- Pickleball Courts
- Recreation Activity Centers
- Skate Parks
- Walking Trails
PARTICIPATION AND WEATHER POLICIES
These rules and policies should be followed at each park or facility to ensure a safe and fun visit for everyone.
CURRENT PLANS AND PROJECTS
- Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan—The Department is currently developing the 2022 plan, which will help guide priorities over the next five years.
- Master Plan 2030—Learn more about the process and how to become involved.
- Oregon Ridge Master Planning Process—The Department is developing a plan to improve the park's features and ensure that Oregon Ridge continues to serve residents.
- Capital Projects and Improvements—Learn about the projects the Department is currently working on.
BENEFITS OF RECREATION AND PARKS
Just as water, sewer and public safety are considered essential public services, Recreation and Parks is vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in a community, ensuring the health of families and youth, and contributing to the economic as well as environmental well-being of a community and a region.
Access to parks and recreation facilities leads to healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and ability levels. According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, creating, improving and promoting places to be physically active can improve individual and community health and result in a 25 percent increase of residents who exercise at least three times per week. Just a moderate amount of physical activity has a significant impact on mental health as well, offering a decrease in stress, anxiety, anger and depression. With 216 parks in the Baltimore County system, 43 community facilities and over 82 miles of trails, we aim to help our residents and visitors stay happy and healthy.
Parks are key community contributors when it comes to addressing the effects of climate change or preserving natural habitats. Parks and protected public lands are proven to improve water quality, protect groundwater, prevent flooding, improve the quality of the air we breathe, provide vegetative buffers to development, produce habitat for wildlife and provide a place for children and families to connect with nature and recreate outdoors together.
Parks and Recreation facilities are powerful engines of economic activity. Parks improve the local tax base and it’s proven that private property values increase the value of privately-owned land the closer such land is to parks. This increase in private property value due to the proximity to parks improves local economies. In fact, quality parks and recreation are cited as one of the top three reasons that business cite in relocation decisions in a number of studies.
| Date | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| September 14, 2022 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| September 29, 2022 | Mount Vista Park Program Open Space Conversion Public Information Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, in cooperation with the Maryland Transportation Authority, will present information on a proposed land exchange by Mount Vista Park on Raphel Road (Kingsville community). The County proposes to exchange a Recreation and Parks property between Mount Vista Park and I-95 for a portion of MDTA-owned property adjoining the opposite side of Mount Vista Park. The County property proposed for transfer was purchased with the use of Maryland Program Open Space (POS) funding, which requires that a land conversion process be undertaken and approved prior to changing the use of POS-funded land. POS conversion guidelines require that the POS-funded land be mitigated with land of equal or greater size, monetary value, and recreational value. County and State officials shall present information on the proposed land exchange, the reasons for pursuing the exchange, and offer the public the opportunity to ask questions about what is proposed. Join the meeting via Webex. Join by phone |
| October 1, 2022 | Cancelled: Creation of the Oregon Ridge Master Plan Public Input Meeting (In Person) | This meeting has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 8th. Email oregonridgemasterplan@baltimorecountymd.gov with questions. |
| October 6, 2022 | Creation of the Oregon Ridge Master Plan Public Input Meeting (Virtual) | To ensure that Oregon Ridge Park continues to serve residents, Baltimore County Recreation and Parks initiated a master planning process, expected to conclude in December 2022. At this meeting, residents shared observations and feedback. Watch the recording of the meeting |
| October 8, 2022 | Rescheduled: Creation of the Oregon Ridge Master Plan Public Input Meeting (In Person) | This meeting was rescheduled from Saturday, October 1. Over 100 visitors joined us in the Sequoia Room at Oregon Ridge Park Lodge to share their feedback on the future of the park. Please attend this meeting to share your observations and feedback. Email oregonridgemasterplan@baltimorecountymd.gov with questions. |
| October 12, 2022 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| October 17, 2022 | Northwest Regional Park Ribbon Cutting Destination Playground | Join us for the Ribbon Cutting of Baltimore County's First Destination Playground In partnership with the Baltimore Ravens Location: Northwest Regional Park, Lyons Mill Road Entrance Special Guest: County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Council Chair Julian Jones, Roslyn Johnson, Director of Recreation and Parks, and Sashi Brown, President, Baltimore Ravens |
| October 21, 2022 | Rosedale Recreation Activity Center "RAC" Groundbreaking | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks will host a groundbreaking to celebrate the first new Recreation Activity Center "RAC" in Baltimore County. Special Guest include County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and Roslyn Johnson, Director of Recreation and Parks. |
| November 9, 2022 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | Minutes |
| November 12, 2022 | Creation of the Oregon Ridge Master Plan: Presentation of Proposed Enhancements (In Person) | In order to improve the park's features and ensure that Oregon Ridge continues to serve residents, the Department initiated a master planning process, led by Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects (L/KLA). The master plan provides an assessment of current conditions and guidance for park improvements over the next two decades. At this meeting, L/KLA will present concept alternatives for the Oregon Ridge master plan. This meeting will take place in the auditorium at Oregon Ridge Nature Center. Email oregonridgemasterplan@baltimorecountymd.gov with questions. |
| November 16, 2022 | Creation of the Oregon Ridge Master Plan: Presentation of Proposed Enhancements (Virtual) | In order to improve the park's features and ensure that Oregon Ridge continues to serve residents, the Department initiated a master planning process, led by Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects (L/KLA). The master plan provides an assessment of current conditions and guidance for park improvements over the next two decades. At this meeting, L/KLA presented proposed enhancements for the Oregon Ridge. Watch the recording of the meeting. |
| November 17, 2022 | Middle River Recreation Activity Center "RAC" Groundbreaking | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks will host a groundbreaking to celebrate the second new Recreation Activity Center "RAC" in Baltimore County. Special guests include County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Councilwoman Cathy Bevins, and Roslyn Johnson, Director of Recreation and Parks. |
| December 14, 2022 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| January 11, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| February 7, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| March 2, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | Agenda Minutes |
| March 21, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Emergency Meeting | Agenda Minutes |
| April 12, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| April 13, 2023 | Oregon Ridge Master Plan Public Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks hosted a public meeting to discuss the master plan. In order to improve the park's features and ensure that Oregon Ridge continues to serve residents, the Department initiated a master planning process, led by Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects. The master plan provides an assessment of current conditions and guidance for park improvements over the next two decades. The team developing the master plan compiled an inventory of natural resources and assets, and existing recreation and educational offerings, and converted them into park improvements to be installed over the next 20-25 years. Several virtual and in person meetings were held to obtain public input and those suggestions were incorporated into the master plan document. The Department presented recommendations from the master plan, where to locate the documents, and how to provide comments. Watch the recording of the meeting. |
| April 24, 2023 | Days Cove Disc Golf Course Public Input Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks held a public meeting to gather public input on the development of the Days Cove Property (Southwest corner of Route 40 and Allender Road). The Department wishes to have a robust and open public input process to guide the overall vision for the development of this property, including the potential for a disc golf course. Community residents were encouraged to attend to offer their input into the County’s development of this property. The meeting consisted of a brief presentation of the property followed by an open input session related to the project. Watch the recording of the meeting. |
| April 27, 2023 | Mountain Biking Public Input Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks hosted a public meeting on Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. via WebEx to gather public input on mountain biking in Baltimore County. The Department wishes to have a robust and open public input process to guide the overall vision for new mountain biking facilities. The meeting consisted of a brief presentation followed by time for questions and comments from the public. Watch the recording of the meeting. |
| May 4, 2023 | Belfast Road Property Public Information Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks will host a public meeting on Thursday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. to inform the community of the status and details for the development of the Belfast Road Property adjacent to Sparks Elementary School. The Department will provide an overview of the design process, a summary of constraints, and where we are with the potential uses and layout. |
| May 9, 2023 | Ribbon Cutting of the New Merritt Point Park Boat Ramp and Soft Launch | Please join Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the boat ramp and soft launch at Merritt Point Park. This marks the completion of Baltimore County's first substantial boat ramp project in more than 15 years, as well as the construction of the canoe/kayak soft launch. The project will enhance accessibility and access, significantly improving the facility's functionality. This project was supported by the State and Federal waterways and boating grants, secured through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Special guests include County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Councilman Todd Crandell, Deputy Secretary David Goshorn, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Bob Smith, Acting Director, Baltimore County Recreation and Parks. |
| May 10, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| May 24, 2023 | Oregon Ridge Park Draft Master Plan Public Input Meeting | The Department of Recreation and Parks is soliciting feedback on the draft Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan. This meeting will include a brief presentation by Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, who led the master planning effort, followed by public comments. |
| June 5, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| June 6, 2023 | Ribbon Cutting Playground Replacement and Park Enhancements at Hamiltowne Park | Join Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks for a Ribbon Cutting for Playground Replacement and Park Enhancements at Hamiltowne Park. Special guests include County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Councilman Mike Ertel and Bob Smith, Director of Baltimore County Recreation and Parks. |
| July 12, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| July 19, 2023 | Bedford Road Park Site Virtual Public Input Meeting | The Public Input Meeting for the Bedford Road Park Site was held virtually via Webex. Watch the recording of the meeting. |
| August 24, 2023 | Gerst Road Park Site Virtual Public Input Meeting | A public input meeting was held for the Gerst Road Park Site on Thursday, August 24. Watch the recording of the meeting. |
| August 27, 2023 | Summer Basketball League Kick-Off Event | Join us for the 2024 Summer Basketball League Kickoff Event. Hosted with the advocacy and support of Delegate Carl Jackson and community leaders. The will be held in the Overlea High School Gymnasium. This event is free and open to the public. |
| September 6, 2023 | Open House Community Input Meeting | The Department of Recreation and Parks is hosting two open house opportunities to hear from YOU. We invite you to share what programs, park assets and services you may desire for your community. Please feel free to attend anytime throughout the open houses. Wednesday, September 6 at Randallstown Community Center |
| September 7, 2023 | Open House Community Input Meeting | The Department of Recreation and Parks is hosting two open house opportunities to hear from you. We invite you to share what programs, park assets and services you may desire for your community. Please feel free to attend anytime throughout the open houses. Thursday, September 7 at the Honeygo Regional Park and Community Center |
| September 12, 2023 | Ribbon Cutting at Southwest Regional Recreation Center | Join Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks for a Ribbon Cutting for the Southwest Regional Recreation Center. Special guests include County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Councilman Pat Young and Bob Smith, Director of Baltimore County Recreation and Parks. |
| September 13, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | Agenda Minutes |
| September 27, 2023 | Holt Park and Center for the Arts Enhancement Project Public Input Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks will be hosting a public input meeting to gather public input regarding the Holt Park and Center for the Arts Enhancement project. |
| October 11, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| October 18, 2023 | Meadow Creek Park Groundbreaking | Join us for a groundbreaking for Meadow Creek Park on Wednesday, October 18th at 12:30pm. To RSVP to recparks@baltimorecountymd.gov. |
| October 19, 2023 | Hazelwood Skate Park | Join us for a groundbreaking for Hazelwood Skate Park on at 11:30 a.m. To RSVP to recparks@baltimorecountymd.gov. |
| November 8, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| November 16, 2023 | Fort Howard Park Enhancements Public Input Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks will be hosting a public input meeting to gather public input regarding the Fort Howard Park Enhancements project. The meeting will be held Thursday, November 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. |
| December 4, 2023 | Randallstown Community Input Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks and Baltimore County Public Library will host a public meeting to gather public input on the recreational, cultural and lifelong learning needs for the Randallstown community. The meeting will be held on Monday, December 4 from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Randallstown Community Center—Multi-Purpose Room. |
| December 13, 2023 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| December 14, 2023 | Randallstown Community Input Meeting | |
| January 9, 2024 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| January 29, 2024 | Reimagine Veterans Park Public Input Meeting | Baltimore County Recreation and Parks will be hosting a public input meeting to gather public input regarding the Reimagine Veterans Park Enhancement Project. The meeting will be held Monday, January 29 from 6:30 8 p.m. The meeting will be hosted at the Dundalk High School Recreation Center in the auditorium. |
| February 13, 2024 | Canceled: Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | Board Meeting has been canceled due to inclement weather |
| March 12, 2024 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| April 16, 2024 | Cloverland Park Cricket Field Virtual Public Information Meeting | Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks will host a Virtual Public Information Meeting. Community residents are encouraged to participate to offer their input. |
| April 17, 2024 | Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting | |
| May 1, 2024 | Open House and Community Listening Sessions | The Department of Recreation and Parks will host an Open House and Community Listening Session. We look forward to receiving input from the public. |
| May 2, 2024 | Open House and Community Listening Sessions | The Department of Recreation and Parks will host an Open House and Community Listening Session. We look forward to receiving input from the public. |
| May 6, 2024 | Open House and Community Listening Sessions | The Department of Recreation and Parks will host an Open House and Community Listening Session. We look forward to receiving input from the public. |
| May 7, 2024 | Open House and Community Listening Sessions | The Department of Recreation and Parks will host an Open House and Community Listening Session. We look forward to receiving input from the public. |
Universal access to public parks and recreation is a right, not just a privilege. Baltimore County Recreation and Parks enhances social equity through providing facilities and programs accessible to our community members regardless of income, race, age, and ability. Parks have a value to communities that transcends the amount of dollars invested or the revenues gained from fees. They provide a sense of public pride and cohesion to every community. The Recreation and Parks team commits and cares about the presence of social equity in our community and recognizes the importance of demonstrating that value every day.