10-17-2024 8:33am

LOCAL PARKS OPEN

Jeff Barto Editor

New Park Unveiled In Baltimore County

A new park cut the ribbon this week in Pikesville

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, along Department of Recreation and Parks leadership, state and local elected officials and community members, debuted the new Meadow Creek Park in Pikesville.

The four-acre community park provides a tranquil walking destination for the Pikesville community and preserves much-needed green space along Church Meadow Creek. The design and amenities are the result of extensive community and stakeholder input.

“Community parks are among the many hidden gems in our neighborhoods — they encourage us to get outside, connect with our neighbors, and enjoy the natural beauty that makes Baltimore County an amazing place to call home,” said County Executive Olszewski. “Preserving green space and creating more parks remains a critical component of our efforts to improve the quality of life for all residents, and I look forward to Meadow Creek being a vibrant destination location in Pikesville for years to come.”

Meandering through Meadow Creek Park is a network of walking paths and a footbridge, which provide access to a shaded seating area, a natural playground, and abundant native plantings. Environmental features include vegetative buffers and a stormwater management system that protect the Church Meadow Creek and the neighborhood. The park also includes accessible parking.

Meadow Creek Park pays homage to the body of water that flows through it; in 2021, the name Church Meadow Creek was officially adopted by the United States Geological Survey after the name was chosen as a result of the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability’s “Name Our Streams” contest. Church Meadow Creek is derived from the proximity of the creek to Church Lane.

“I am so excited about the opening of Meadow Creek Park,” said Baltimore County Council Chairman Izzy Patoka. “Parks and open space enhance the quality of life for all of our residents and are particularly impactful to inner beltway communities, where housing densities are higher. I commend the community and the administration for their dedicated work in making Baltimore County beautiful.”

Meadow Creek Park is one of several projects that will increase recreational opportunities in Pikesville; the Department of Recreation and Parks is currently working on plans for a four-acre parcel on Bedford Rd. purchased in 2021 for $1.1 million.

Additionally, Baltimore County has provided nearly $5.8 million in total direct support – including $4.6 million in capital support – over the last three years toward the redevelopment of the Pikesville Armory by the Pikesville Armory Foundation. This nearly $100 million project will provide significant recreational space in Council District 2 for all to enjoy.

“Meadow Creek Park and the future park on Bedford Road show the Department continues to expand the opportunities for recreation in Baltimore County,” said Department of Recreation and Parks Director Bob Smith. “In addition to providing access to excellent recreational programs and facilities, the Department is committed to providing residents open green spaces, including in the most densely populated parts of Baltimore County.”

The property was acquired by Baltimore County in 2020 using $432,000 in Maryland Program Open Space funding. Development funding included $850,000 in county general funds, an additional $450,000 from Program Open Space, and $150,000 in local open space fee-in-lieu revenue.

Meadow Creek Park was engineered and designed by TranSystems (formerly Whitney Bailey Cox & Magnani – WBCM). The general contractor was DSM Contracting.