Splash Pad Opening

The new 2,700-square-foot splash pad will be located next to the park’s Baltimore Ravens-themed playground. The project also includes a new comfort station for universal access, and gender-neutral facilities with family and individual restrooms and showers, accessible seating, shade structures, drinking fountains, new landscaping, and pathway improvements.

“Northwest Regional Park is a place where families come to enjoy the outdoors and spend time together,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “This new splash pad gives kids another way to have fun at the park. It makes a great park even better.”

The splash pad will feature sports-themed spray elements that allow kids to interact with the water in different ways. That includes a concrete dry-zone pathway connecting three gated entrances, along with accessible seating and shaded gathering areas. The site will also have two drinking fountains, including a bottle-filling station, as well as a shower and foot-washing station.

The new comfort station will provide individual and family restrooms, showers and an adult changing station. The project also includes new stormwater management facilities, pedestrian pathway improvements, lighting improvements and additional trees and landscaping.

“Recreation and Parks is excited to break ground on the County’s first ever splash pad,” said Recreation and Parks Director Bryan Sheppard. “The splash pad will be a phenomenal amenity for families and residents for years to come. We also appreciate the support of County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, Councilman Julian Jones and our state partners for providing the funding for this great new amenity.”

The Northwest Regional Park splash pad is supported by a $2 million grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space. Construction is expected to continue through 2027, with the splash pad anticipated to open for the 2028 season.

Northwest Regional Park, located at 9912 Lyons Mill Road, includes athletic fields, ball diamonds, walking paths, community gardens and the Baltimore Ravens-themed playground.
For more information about the project, visit the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks website.
Baltimore County Breaks Ground on Destination Playground in Owings Mills

Baltimore Ravens donated $500,000 for the destination playground

TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County officials today broke ground on a new Baltimore Ravens-themed playground in Owings Mills. The playground, which was made possible with a $500,000 contribution by the Baltimore Ravens as part of the NFL Play 60 Initiative, will be the area's first destination playground.

Located in Northwest Regional Park, the playground will include a wheelchair-accessible rubberized surface, timed challenge course with obstacles, artificial turf 40-yard dash, musical elements, custom climbing structures and a towering play system with slides reaching more than 17 feet tall. The approximately 0.8-acre play area will be constructed by PlayPower, Inc. and is expected to be completed in early fall..

"Access to high-quality and safe recreational facilities is important for members of all communities, and this new destination playground promises to bring years of joy to children all over the region," said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. "I am incredibly grateful to the Ravens organization for its generosity in supporting this project and the children of Baltimore County."

Protecting open space and creating more recreational opportunities are priorities in Baltimore County, and County Executive Olszewski has dedicated a record $75 million in state and local funds for parks and recreation in his FY2022 budget; more than the last six years combined.

"I am extremely ecstatic to have the Ravens Destination Playground in Owings Mills," said Baltimore County Council Chairman Julian Jones. "I look forward to the joy, well-being, and physical fitness the playground will bring to people of all ages, especially children. I am confident that this playground will be an exciting and enjoyable destination for everyone in Baltimore County and surrounding areas."

The Baltimore Ravens' generous donation comes as part of the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, which aims to "empower youth to be physically active and healthy" with at least 60 minutes of activity each day.

"It is critical that we continue to identify opportunities that positively impact the well-being of children in our communities," Ravens President Dick Cass stated. "We are honored to be involved with this meaningful project, knowing it will provide a safe and unique space for children and their families to enjoy."

In addition to the $500,000 donated by the Baltimore Ravens, the playground is supported by $350,000 in Program Open Space funding, $152,000 in Local Parks and Playground Infrastructure funding and $150,000 from the County.

Land for Northwest Regional Park was acquired by Baltimore County in 1997 and the first main phase of development was completed in 2002. The 322.7-acre park features three lighted athletic fields, four baseball diamonds, three pavilions and a community garden.