City partnered with South Baltimore Gateway Partnership on Rec Rollout Project

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, August 13, 2024) - Yesterday, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP), City and State officials including Councilwoman Phylicia Porter (District 10) and Councilman John Bullock (District 9), community partners, and stakeholders recently celebrated the revitalization of a former Southwest Baltimore Police Athletic League (PAL) Center. The City cut the ribbon on a brand-new, state-of-the-art Carroll Park Recreation Center.

This City-community project is connected to the City's Rec Rollout initiative, which is driven by the Administration's commitment to ensuring every neighborhood has access to world-class recreation facilities. The City partnered with South Baltimore Gateway Partnership to transform the former Carroll Park PAL Center into a 21st century, state-of-the-art recreation center. Additional community stakeholders involved in the project included Southwest Baltimore Charter School, Citizens of Pigtown, and Friends of Carroll Park.

"The reopening of this facility, which has remained closed and dormant for years, was driven by the partnerships that have been built in this neighborhood," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "This project is a shining example of what we mean when we say we're committed to a new era in recreation - one that is equipped with high-quality, state-of-the-art spaces and services that benefit the overall well-being of our residents. We want to continue partnering with our communities to revive and refresh our recreational spaces all across the city, so that every resident regardless of where they live, work, or play has access to the rec spaces they deserve."

Renovations at Carroll Park Recreation Center include a large, dividable multipurpose room, that can also serve as a gymnasium; lounge area; classrooms; offices; and restrooms. The upgraded recreation center is just Phase I of Carroll Park revitalization plans. Phase I represents an investment of more than $2 million. The City is working with South Baltimore Gateway Partnership to install a turf athletic field and revamp the playground at Carroll Park.

"This is a great example of what happens when you have a mayor full of love and desire to change the city that he grew up in and still lives in. He's definitely investing in recreation the right way," said Director Reginald Moore, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. "Rec & Parks is truly committed to carrying out the mayor's vision and building stronger communities through recreation. I'm really excited about the future of recreation in the City of Baltimore."

South Baltimore Gateway Partnership was established in 2016 to help implement the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan, a sweeping plan to improve neighborhoods near the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, with funding provided by the Local Impact Grants generated by video lottery terminals. Under its Strategic Plan, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership works to improve the vitality of its communities by focusing on three crucial elements of the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan: Community Development and Revitalization, Environmental Sustainability, and Health and Wellness.

"South Baltimore Gateway Partnership is honored to support Baltimore City Recreation & Parks in revitalizing this rec center, creating a safe space for community members to play, learn, and connect," said Liz Cornish, Deputy Director of Programs, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership. "For over a decade, students, families, and neighbors have watched this building lay dormant. Now they get to take pride in a building that is reflective of the beauty and imagination that exists in their community.

BCRP's Rec Rollout includes ribbon cuttings and a series of groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreational 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 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/.