Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Northeast Baltimore Project Slated for Completion in 2026

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, April 15, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) announced plans for a brand-new Gardenville Recreation Center. This ARPA-funded project is part of the City’s Rec Rollout program, signaling the first major announcement of 2024.

State Senator Cory McCray (District 45), Councilwoman Danielle McCray (District 2), and numerous community leaders from across Northeast Baltimore joined the groundbreaking event on Monday morning.

BCRP is transforming vacant land that’s adjacent to Hazelwood Elementary Middle School into a brand-new, state-of-the-art recreational campus. The new Gardenville Recreation Center will sit on a three-acre site subdivided from the school.

Hazelwood Elementary Middle will utilize the old Gardenville Recreation Center’s property to expand its footprint. The Gardenville project aligns with two of the core Mayor’s Pillars by supporting equitable neighborhood development and prioritizing Baltimore’s young people.

“The new Gardenville Rec Center is going to be game-changing for this neighborhood in Northeast Baltimore,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “After years of discussion and input from the community, we’re moving forward a project that will serve all Baltimoreans in this area, particularly our young people. Our commitment to Recreation & Parks is clear. Rec Rollout is about ensuring that every single Baltimorean has access to world-class facilities – and, when completed, this project will be one of BCRP’s landmark facilities.”

Highlights of the new facility include an open fitness facility, multi-purpose rooms, and a full-size gymnasium, featuring a collegiate-size basketball court, two high-school cross courts, and a roller-skating track. Additionally, the campus will also feature a loop walk, expansive playgrounds, and outdoor fitness zones.

Gardenville’s project, slated for completion in 2026, represents an investment of more than $15 million in ARPA dollars.

“The availability of ARPA funding has been a real game changer for Baltimore City Recreation & Parks,” said BCRP Executive Director Reginald Moore. “We’re grateful for the availability of ARPA dollars which allows us to fund recreational projects like the one that’s on the horizon for this community. Through the leadership of Mayor Brandon Scott, we’re able to allocate this money in a manner that enables us to make our collective vision for reimagined recreational spaces a reality, thereby building a better Baltimore.”

BCRP’s Rec Rollout includes a playground ribbon cutting and a series of groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreation center projects. The City is slated to announce upgrades at additional recreation spaces in the coming months.

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, visithttp://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/.