Cromwell Valley Park

- Farmlands
- Historic Site
- Natural Areas
- Natural Rare Wild Bird Habitat
- Nature Center
- Nature Trails
- Picnic Areas
- Recreation And Parks Office
- Restrooms
- 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 updated summer 2026 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 capitalprojects-rp@baltimorecountymd.gov with questions or comments regarding this project.
Current status
This project (including equipment and material staging areas) has been reviewed and approved by Baltimore County Permits, Approvals and Inspections (Sediment and Erosion Control, Grading, Landscape, and Building), Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS) (Stormwater Management, Grading, Environmental Impact Review), Baltimore County Soil Conservation District, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Environmental Trust, Maryland Department of Planning and Maryland Historical Trust.
The project is currently in the public bid phase.
Timeline
- September 2023—Concept design presented at the Cromwell Valley Park Council Meeting
- Fall 2024—100 percent design and bid documents due
- Spring 2025—Public bid phase
- Summer 2025—Bids due
- Fall/Winter 2025—Estimated construction start date
Once bids are received and the project is awarded, the selected contractor will begin developing the construction schedule in collaboration with stakeholders.
The completion date depends on factors including project phasing and weather conditions. The Department of Recreation and Parks will post updates as the project progresses.
Valewood Stream Restoration Project
This project is managed by DEPS:
- 30 percent design is currently funded.
- The extent of the project will be determined by a formal assessment, which has not yet been conducted.
- Construction funding is anticipated in FY28.
Status
DEPS is reviewing the proposal submitted by their consultant.
Public Engagement
A public engagement process is planned, though no formal timeline or approach has been established at this time.
Next Steps
Initial notifications will be sent to adjacent homeowners and nearby residents once DEPS has accepted the consultants proposal. Additional notifications will be sent prior to survey work, explaining:
- The purpose of the survey.
- Presence of survey crews along the stream.
- Contact information for questions or concerns.
Contact information
Dennis Genito, Project Manager—DEPS, Watershed Restoration Section
Email: watersheds@baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-2904