Department ofRecreation and Parks

The Department of Recreation and Parks provides quality recreational and leisure opportunities to County residents and visitors via its parklands and open spaces, recreation and nature centers, and other specialized facilities.

Recreation Activity Centers

PAL Centers are now Recreation Activity Centers.

Recreation and Parks 2022-2023 Winter Programs

See the County's Recreation and Parks' special events and programs.

Park Highlights

Many Baltimore County parks are also home to the following:

Participation and Weather Policies

These rules and policies should be followed at each park or facility to ensure a safe and fun visit for everyone.

Parker the Frog Campaign

Leap into 2022 with Parker the Frog! Learn how to participate.

Print, cut out or color Parker the Frog to bring with you on adventures to County Parks.
Share your picture to our Facebook or Twitter using #InMyOwnParkyard.
Email your picture to Parker@baltimorecountymd.gov to enter to win a prize. One entry valid per park per email address.

Current Plans and Projects

Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan—The Department is currently developing the 2022 plan, which will help guide priorities over the next five years.
Master Plan 2030—Learn more about the process and how to become involved.
Oregon Ridge Master Planning Process—The Department is developing a plan to improve the park's features and ensure that Oregon Ridge continues to serve residents.
Sparrows Point Park Project—Learn more about the ongoing construction of the 22-acre water view site located at 1900 Wharf Road in Baltimore.

Benefits of Recreation and Parks

Just as water, sewer and public safety are considered essential public services, Recreation and Parks is vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in a community, ensuring the health of families and youth, and contributing to the economic as well as environmental well-being of a community and a region.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Access to parks and recreation facilities leads to healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and ability levels. According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, creating, improving and promoting places to be physically active can improve individual and community health and result in a 25 percent increase of residents who exercise at least three times per week. Just a moderate amount of physical activity has a significant impact on mental health as well, offering a decrease in stress, anxiety, anger and depression. With 216 parks in the Baltimore County system, 43 community facilities and over 82 miles of trails, we aim to help our residents and visitors stay happy and healthy.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Parks are key community contributors when it comes to addressing the effects of climate change or preserving natural habitats. Parks and protected public lands are proven to improve water quality, protect groundwater, prevent flooding, improve the quality of the air we breathe, provide vegetative buffers to development, produce habitat for wildlife and provide a place for children and families to connect with nature and recreate outdoors together.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Parks and Recreation facilities are powerful engines of economic activity. Parks improve the local tax base and it’s proven that private property values increase the value of privately-owned land the closer such land is to parks. This increase in private property value due to the proximity to parks improves local economies. In fact, quality parks and recreation are cited as one of the top three reasons that business cite in relocation decisions in a number of studies.

SOCIAL EQUITY

Universal access to public parks and recreation is a right, not just a privilege. Baltimore County Recreation and Parks enhances social equity through providing facilities and programs accessible to our community members regardless of income, race, age, and ability. Parks have a value to communities that transcends the amount of dollars invested or the revenues gained from fees. They provide a sense of public pride and cohesion to every community. The Recreation and Parks team commits and cares about the presence of social equity in our community and recognizes the importance of demonstrating that value every day.