Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan

Draft Plan

The draft Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan is now publicly available. View the plan and appendices below. Submit a questionnaire response or email oregonridgemasterplan@baltimorecountymd.gov with comments, ideas or questions.

1. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Recommendations
2. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix I: Cultural Context
3. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix II: Natural Resources
4. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix III: Built Conditions, part 1
5. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix III: Built Conditions, part 2
6. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix IV: Recreation Demand
7. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix V: Public Engagement
8. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix V: Public Engagement, Sub-Appendix A
9. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix V: Public Engagement, Sub-Appendix B, part 1
10. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix V: Public Engagement, Sub-Appendix B, part 2
11. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix V: Public Engagement, Sub-Appendix B, part 3
12. Oregon Ridge Park Master Plan Draft Appendix V: Public Engagement, Sub-Appendix C

Project Timeline

Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects (L/KLA) was selected to lead the master planning process and is responsible for evaluating the existing amenities within Oregon Ridge, public outreach to County residents and recommendations for future enhancements.

Members of the public have been engaged throughout the process through virtual and in-person meetings, interviews, informal park events, emailed and phoned comments, and surveys. Below is the timeline, including completed and upcoming steps. Videos of past meetings and links to join future meetings can be found in the calendar at the bottom of this page.

• Spring 2022
  • March 15: Held an initial public information meeting (136 attendees)
  • June 14: Held a second public information meeting, where L/KLA presented an initial synthesis of the inventory and preliminary analysis (126 attendees)
  • L/KLA held informal interviews and focus groups with park users, park employees, and other residents who are not yet users of the park and conducted a thorough inventory of the park’s natural resources
• Summer 2022
  • July 17: Events in the park for Latino Conservation Week highlighted the ongoing process for the Oregon Ridge Master Plan
  • Tuesdays in August: A ranger from the Chesapeake Conservancy engaged visitors about the future of the park in English and Spanish
  • L/KLA continued to collect public input and envision the future of the park
• Fall 2022
  • August and September: Chesapeake Conservancy was at the Maryland State Fair reaching out to residents, sharing information about the master planning process and collecting input
  • October 6 and 8: Held virtual (77 attendees) and in-person (over 100 attendees) public input meetings to receive feedback on possible future uses of the park
  • Public survey conducted to collect feedback. This survey received over 200 responses
  • November 12 and November 16: Held virtual (74 attendees) and in-person (about 75 attendees) public meetings to present proposed enhancements
• Winter/Spring 2023
  • Draft Plan submitted by L/KLA to Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks
  • April 13: Held virtual public meeting to present draft plan
  • May: Plan to hold an in-person meeting for public comments 

Note: The above are estimated dates and may change based on public input.

Goals

The plan will include evaluations of and recommendations for:

• Natural Resources Management—To ensure the protection of forest land, rare and unusual plants and water resources
• Educational Programming and Facilities—To help the Nature Center better serve residents
• Facility Improvements—Including changes to signage and parking to create better access and updates to utilities, restrooms and buildings to enhance park users’ experiences
• Accessibility to Transition Facilities—To serve residents of all abilities
• Arts Programming—To create a hub for cultural activities, public art and performances
• Recreational Activities—To adapt facilities to meet modern recreational needs

View the contract and additional information for the creation of the Oregon Ridge Master Plan.

Interviews and Focus Groups

Thank you to the following groups and individuals who participated in interviews and focus groups for the Oregon Ridge Master Plan.

• Oregon Ridge Nature Center volunteers
• Oregon Ridge Nature Council
• Oregon Ridge trails advocates
• Hot August
• Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
• Kennedy Krieger
• Biking advocacy groups
• Valleys Planning Council
• Trails, environment, and park history groups
• Ballfield advocates
• Birders

Meetings

Select the events below to learn more.

Upcoming