Project is Part of Broader Upgrades at Henrietta Lacks Educational Park

BALTIMORE, MD (Saturday, August 31, 2024) - Yesterday, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, alongside City & State officials, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) and community members, celebrated the reopening of East Baltimore's Ambrose Kennedy Swimming Pool at Henrietta Lacks Educational Park. This renovation project is connected to the City's Rec Rollout and the continued transformation of the park.

Originally built in 1973, the City renovated Ambrose Kennedy Swimming Pool this year as part of a larger strategy to upgrade aging aquatic infrastructure with brand-new, state-of-the-art swimming pools. The Ambrose Kennedy Swimming Pool project - funded through City and State bonds - represents an investment of more than $2 million.

"These projects - and the frequency with which we've done these ribbon-cuttings - are a reflection of our commitment to ensuring every single Baltimorean has access to world-class facilities," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "So many of these pools and rec centers have not been touched in decades, despite badly needling attention, but we're finally changing that legacy. This pool will be a gathering place where members of this neighborhood can build community, where young Baltimoreans can learn to swim, and where we can continue to invest in our people."

Improvements to the pool include a brand-new waterline, piping, plumbing, drains, and a state-of-the-art mechanical system. The aquatic facility also features a new zero-entry wading pool and a pool deck.

"We're committed to continuing to upgrade our pool inventory across the city. These improvements will ensure that our residents can enjoy their swimming pools all season long instead of experiencing long closures because our systems are down," said Director Reginald Moore, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. "When we upgrade major community assets like this one here at Ambrose Kennedy Pool, it signals to residents that the City is truly committed to providing the best in recreation thereby building a better Baltimore."

Henrietta Lacks Educational Park is a 1.75-acre park featuring updated basketball courts and bathrooms, along with new green spaces and walking paths. Originally dedicated in 1951, the City kicked off the first phase of renovations to the park in 2018. "The Johnston Square Community couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate the grand reopening of the Kennedy Pool at Henrietta Lacks Educational Park in Johnston Square. This has been a long-awaited moment, and we are beyond excited to see our vision come to life," said Regina Hammond, Executive Director, Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood. "A heartfelt thank you to Mayor Scott, Director Moore, their teams, and all of our community partners for their unwavering support in making this dream a reality for our neighborhood."

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/.