BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, September 25, 2023) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) and community members to break ground on a new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded playground project at Indiana Avenue. The playground aims to provide children of all ages with a safe and engaging outdoor space for activity, play, and imagination.

“My administration has made providing world-class recreation and parks spaces a top priority since day one,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “From playgrounds like this one to new Rec Centers and renovated pools, every neighborhood in our City deserves to have spaces to gather, play, and build community. I am immensely proud that this playground groundbreaking has been made possible by ARPA investments, and we will continue to make these projects a reality all across the City.”

This groundbreaking is a continuation of the City’s Rec Rollout. The scope of work includes removing the existing playspace and installing new equipment, drainage, and an engineered wood fiber surface. Indiana Avenue’s original playground was installed in 1997. The new playspace will feature a new basket swing, cubite frame net, rambler, and tipi carousel. 

“We’re excited about kicking off the first of several ARPA-funded playground projects in the City of Baltimore. Over the next year, we plan to upgrade more than 20 playgrounds, which wouldn’t be possible without the Scott Administration’s vision and commitment to our recreation spaces,” said Executive Director Reginald Moore. “The City understands the importance of playgrounds for our young people, so we want to ensure that we’re providing our youth with top-notch playspaces."

In 2021, the City of Baltimore received $641 million through the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Funds were made available in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts. BCRP received $41 million in ARPA funding to bolster its public spaces and parks – approximately $5 million is earmarked to upgrade playgrounds. 

"Baltimore remains committed to providing and maintaining accessible, safe, and well-maintained outdoor play areas in our communities, particularly underserved areas," said Shamiah Kerney, chief recovery officer for the Mayor's Office of the Recovery Programs. "Outside playgrounds are not just recreational spaces; they are essential for our youth's physical, mental, and emotional well-being as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic."

The City anticipates returning to cut the ribbon on the new playground in October.

BCRP’s Rec Rollout includes ribbon cuttings and a series of groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreation center projects. During this months-long rollout, the City has announced upgrades at Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School Playground, James D. Gross Recreation Center, Chick Webb Recreation Center, Solo Gibbs Park Playground, and Ambrose Kennedy Pool, with more to come.  

For event registration, and to stay up-to-date with these events and more, visit bcrp.baltimorecity.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Recnparks.

About Baltimore City Recreation & Parks

Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) is Baltimore's leading provider of affordable, year-round recreational activities. BCRP builds a stronger Baltimore one community at a time through conservation, well-being and social equity. BCRP manages and maintains 263 parks, 51 recreation centers, 25 miles of biking and hiking trails, and approximately 4,700 acres of parkland. To learn more about our programs and services, visit http://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/.

About the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided $641 million to the City of Baltimore in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts. Mayor Brandon M. Scott has established the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs to transparently and effectively administer this funding on behalf of the City. For additional information, visit the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs website at arp.baltimorecity.gov.