City and State partners with the community for ADA upgrades

BALTIMORE, MD. (Tuesday, May 16, 2023) - Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Recreation & Parks recently announced plans to upgrade James D. Gross Recreation Center, which includes American with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements. The City unveiled James D. Gross - primarily utilized by the community's senior citizens - as one of four recreation centers set for renovations in connection with its Rec Rollout.

"We provide recreation centers for our residents of all ages to help cultivate their physical and mental well-being. Advancing this renovation project underscores our pledge to provide Baltimoreans with world-class recreation facilities across the city," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Transforming this neighborhood recreation center into an ADA-compliant facility demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and equity for our residents, and is especially beneficial for our seniors."

Enhancements to the recreation center include a new entry ramp, ADA ramp, ADA toilet room, and vestibule. The recreation center will also feature a new kitchen, flooring, ceiling, storefront doors, windows, and restrooms, in addition to upgraded Arts-and-Crafts and game rooms.

"Baltimore City Rec & Parks prides itself on providing top-notch recreation centers that meet the needs of our communities," said BCRP Executive Director Reginald Moore. "We're grateful for our elected officials, partners, staff, and other stakeholders who are fully committed to ensuring that all residents can enjoy the benefits of a modern recreation center right in their neighborhoods. The City is looking forward to returning this recreation center to productive use for this community."

Built in 1969, James D. Gross Recreation Center serves Northwest Baltimore's Parklane Community. The City, State, and Parklane Neighborhood Association, Inc. are partnering to bring the improvements to fruition through an investment of nearly $700,000. Renovations at James D. Gross, which closed in January 2023, should be completed by the end of 2023.

"J.D. Gross Recreation Center has been a big part of our lives. It's where our children come for after-school programming and summer camp, and our seniors attend lunch-and learn sessions," said Cherring Spence, President, Parklane Neighborhood Association, Inc. "The renovations will allow for a cleaner, safer, newer environment for us to enjoy and we can now provide better access to those with disabilities."

BCRP's Rec Rollout includes a series of groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreation center projects. The City is also slated to announce upgrades at Chick Webb, Ambrose Kennedy, and Parkview Recreation Centers.

For event registration, and to stay up-to-date with these events and more, visit bcrp.baltimorecity.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Recnparks.

About Baltimore City Recreation & Parks

Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) is Baltimore's leading provider of affordable, year-round recreational activities. BCRP builds a stronger Baltimore one community at a time through conservation, well-being and social equity. BCRP manages and maintains 263 parks, 51 recreation centers, 25 miles of biking and hiking trails, and approximately 4,700 acres of parkland. To learn more about our programs and services, visit http://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/.