THOUSANDS HONORED

“More than 3,000 Baltimore County residents lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are committed to honoring their cherished memories and the profound impact they had on our lives and communities,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “This memorial – created in partnership with community stakeholders and artists – offers a space to find hope for healing, and peace while remembering the beloved neighbors and loved ones taken from us far too soon.”

The freestanding project was designed by artist James Dinh, whose design was selected in 2021 from a pool of 74 submissions by a panel of eight judges including members of the regional arts community and representatives from the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences and Lake Roland Nature Council. The memorial overlooks the waters of Lake Roland and features a pathway, gathering circle, prayer millstone, inscribed mending wall, seating, and memorial mound with plantings.

Etched into the wall are several personalized poems and stories submitted by community members that describe the pandemic’s toll.

Input on the memorial project included a series of public input meetings facilitated in partnership with the Baltimore County Arts Guild. The County Council approved the selection in January 2022.

“We welcome visitors to Lake Roland and this memorial to recognize and commemorate the lives tragically lost and those who were touched by COVID-19,” said Bob Smith, director of the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. “During the pandemic, parks in Baltimore County and nationwide became even more essential as an outlet for residents in uncertain and trying times. Our parks often serve as a space the public uses to find peace and comfort and we are hopeful that this dedicated space will in some small way perhaps provide that to our visitors.”

County departments that supported the project include the Department of Economic and Workforce Development, Department of Recreation and Parks, Department of Health and Human Services, the Property Management Division, and Office of Law.

Lake Roland is open to the public daily from sunrise until sunset.

COVID-19 Public Memorial

The Baltimore County Arts Guild and the Lake Roland Nature Council are excited to share the news from Baltimore County that artist James Dinh has been selected to create Baltimore County’s first public art memorial to remember the lives lost due to COVID-19.

The freestanding public art concept will be installed at Lake Roland Park and will represent hope, unity and healing. The finished piece will not only honor the memory of those lost, but will also provide a meditative space for reconciliation and remembrance.

In partnership with the Baltimore County Arts Guild and consultation with the Maryland State Arts Council, the Baltimore County Executive’s office with the Department of Economic and Workforce Development and the Department of Recreation and Parks underwent a transparent, engaging process to select an artist who could accomplish the vision and mission of this public art memorial.

The national search brought in more than 70 proposals from artists around the country. County staff assembled a diverse group of panelists including Lake Roland Nature Council board member and past president Kurt Davis, representing the regional arts community, to judge the submissions.

From three semi-finalists, the panel selected artist James Dinh of StudioFolia in California.

James Dinh’s work not only exemplified his strong sense of innovation and creativity, his vision aligned with the expressed desires of the Baltimore County community. Dinh’s proposal was judged feasible with regard to budget and schedule and the work itself will be durable and structurally sound.

The proposed concept reflects the Baltimore County COVID-19 experience. The design and construction process began in early 2022 and was completed in 2024. The Covid-19 Memorial location map can be found HERE.