Cromwell Valley Park

A butterfly
Amenities
  • Farmlands
  • Historic Site
  • Natural Areas
  • Natural Rare Wild Bird Habitat
  • Nature Center
  • Nature Trails
  • Picnic Areas
  • Recreation And Parks Office
  • Restrooms
Communities
  • Parkville

About

Cromwell Valley Park encompasses 460 acres of stream valley and upland habitat in an area once known as "Lime Kiln Bottom," just minutes from downtown Towson. 

Features

This stream valley park is comprised of the following natural features:

  • Minebank Run flood plain
  • Open meadows
  • Orchards 
  • Organic farm fields
  • Wooded piedmont hills

Park features include:

  • Animal exhibits 
  • Certified organic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), which serves as a demonstration of sustainable farm and provides wholesome, local, organic produce and eggs. Operated by Talmar Gardens and Horticultural Therapy Center.
  • Habitats—The diverse habitat of the park makes for excellent opportunities for bird watching and nature study 
  • Hawk Watch site—Very active during the migration season.
  • Hiking Trails—Five miles of marked trails through fields and forest, and along streams and ridges
  • Historic structures, including lime kilns, a log cabin, a remodeled farm house, slave cemeteries and a native plant garden
  • Honey bee hives
  • Sherwood House
  • Willow Grove Nature Education Center

Programs and Events

Learn more about programs and events happening at the park.

Park Enhancement Project

The proposed scope for the Cromwell Valley Park enhancement project includes:

  • Barnitorium entrance path improvements
  • New accessible path, including interpretive signage
  • New pavilion
  • Sherwood House parking expansion
  • Willow Grove Nature Center parking expansion
  • Willow Grove entrance parking expansion
  • Willow Grove entrance road widening

Email recparkscapitalprojects@baltimorecountymd.gov with questions or comments regarding this project.

Current status

The project is nearing final design stages, with multiple jurisdictional reviews currently in progress. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Environmental Trust, Maryland Department of Planning and Maryland Historical Trust have reviewed and approved the project concept.

Timeline

  • September 2023—Concept design presented at the Cromwell Valley Park Council Meeting
  • Fall 2024—100 percent design and bid documents due
  • Spring 2025—Final permits approved
  • Fall/Winter 2025—Estimated construction start date

The completion date depends on factors including project phasing and weather conditions. The Department will post updates as the project progresses.