BALTIMORE, MD (Saturday, May 25, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP), Councilman Zeke Cohen (District 1), and other officials kicked off the summer months by celebrating the reopening of Patterson Park Pool in Southeast Baltimore. The officials also highlighted the broader effort to upgrade many of the City’s aquatic facilities, many of which have been untouched for decades, and reiterated the importance of pool safety. Pool season kicked off today at all Baltimore City Park Pools today, during the first part of Memorial Day Weekend.

“We could not be more excited to return Patterson Park Pool to the list of open and accessible aquatic facilities for this pool season,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “This pool, like so many others across the city, had not been updated or renovated for decades and was deteriorating in on itself, causing safety concerns for Baltimore’s families. The renovation and repair projects we’re undertaking now, should have been done long, long ago – but with the historic investment’s we’re making in Rec & Parks – we’re finally righting that wrong. Every single year, our pools are one of the City’s most popular attractions – and what a great way to ring in the new pool season than with this exciting ribbon-cutting. Let’s have a fun, safe summer, Baltimore!”

Patterson Park Swimming Pool — originally built in 1953 — now features a state-of-the-art mechanical system, piping, plumbing, drains, and pool liner. Additionally, the mechanical room has been updated to prevent flooding.

Today’s ribbon-cutting reflected Phase I of renovations that will take place at Patterson Park Pool. Phase II improvements — slated for completion in 2025 — will include an upgraded pool house and brand-new wading pool. This City-funded project is an investment of $2.5 million.

“The upgrades at Patterson Park Swimming Pool are another example of the Scott Administration’s commitment to transforming our facilities into modern, state-of-the-art recreational spaces. Equity is our top priority, so we want to continue reimagining our spaces throughout the city,” said BCRP Executive Director Reginald Moore.  “We’re committed to this work because our pools are an important resource that can really make a difference in our communities. Our pools not only serve as a venue to stay cool on hot, summer days, but also provide the opportunity to learn the art of swimming.”

This year, nearly all the City’s aquatic facilities – 18 out of a total of 23 – will be open and accessible this season. The remaining five, Coldstream Aquatic Center, Towanda Aquatic Center, Greater Model Aquatic Center, Walter P. Carter Pool, City Springs Pool, are only temporarily closed while they undergo their own renovations or necessary repairs.

More information about BCRP’s aquatic facilities, including hours, can be found on their website: bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/aquatics.

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

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/.