Aquatics Project is Part of City's Ongoing Rec Rollout Effort

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, December 20, 2023) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, City officials, and Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) announced plans to build a brand-new Walter P. Carter aquatics facility. This project — which is connected to the Rec Rollout — is part of the City’s larger strategy to replace aging pool infrastructure with brand-new, state-of-the-art aquatics facilities.

BCRP is teaming with CannonDesign to equitably invest in upgrading City pools to ensure that all residents have access to modern, world-class pools. Walter P. Carter’s brand-new swim facility will feature a lap pool, wading pool, beach entrance, pool house, mechanical building, and restrooms. 

“At ribbon-cuttings and groundbreakings across the city, we have been talking about the importance of ensuring every Baltimorean has access to world-class recreation and parks facilities,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “My administration has made a commitment to invest in these facilities and to ensure that we’re opening rec centers and pools rather than closing them, like this one was just a few short years ago. We’re doing everything in our power to expand the facilities available for every resident — especially our young people. We’ve seen the success and enthusiasm that new pool facilities bring, particularly at places like the Druid Hill pool which is packed all summer long, and I’m proud that we’re bringing that same energy to more neighborhoods across the city.”

The original Walter P. Carter Swimming Pool and Recreation Center were demolished in 2019. Plans call for the new Walter P. Carter Swimming Pool to share the same site which is now occupied by two 21st Century schools that opened in 2021.  

“After being closed for years, the new Walter P. Carter Pool will bring equitable access and a modern recreational facility to families in the heart of Baltimore,” said Senator Mary L. Washington (District 43). “Following decades of disinvestment and segregation, we are turning the page on a new chapter in the history of our City by renewing our commitment to protect open space and providing working families with new opportunities to learn and grow through play.”

This project, which is funded through City bonds and State grants, represents an investment of more than $5 million. It is the thirteenth project connected to the Rec Rollout. 

“I was proud to join Mayor Scott and Director Moore to mark the groundbreaking today,” said Councilman Mark Conway (District 4.) “This pool will provide enormous recreational and social benefits to Wilson Park and surrounding communities in the 4th District once completed.”

“Better days are on the horizon for recreation facilities in Baltimore. We’ve completed a full assessment of all of our pools and we’re committed to improving our swim facilities throughout the city,” said BCRP Executive Director Reginald Moore. “These projects are not possible without the support of the community and our partners. We are focused on providing our residents with top-notch recreation opportunities in their neighborhoods, and we intend to honor our commitment.”

Walter P. Carter Swimming Pool is expected to open for the 2025 swim season. The new Walter P. Carter Swimming Pool is the first of six neighborhood pools slated for a makeover. 

"The groundbreaking of the Walter P. Carter Pool is an exciting moment for Baltimore. This is the first in a series of aquatic projects across our city that will expand equitable access and provide safe havens for residents during increasingly hotter summer months,” said CannonDesign Vice President Monica Pascatore. “Baltimore City Recreation & Parks should be both applauded for their commitment to this effort and proud of this moment – this is a project that will strengthen our city for generations."

BCRP’s Rec Rollout includes a series of playground ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreation center and pool projects. The City is slated to continue announcing upgrades for several recreation spaces in 2024.

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