BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, May 9, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, joined by United States Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Congressman Johnny Olszewski Jr., former Congressman John Sarbanes, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, Council President Zeke Cohen, Councilwoman Phylicia Porter, other key project partners and students from Curtis Bay Elementary School kicked off construction of the brand-new Congressman Elijah Cummings Recreation Center in Southwest Baltimore. Named after the late congressman, a steadfast supporter of Baltimore City Youth, the Center will replace the current Curtis Bay Recreation Center three blocks west.

"Congressman Elijah Cummings was the best of Baltimore- a dedicated servant, leader, friend, and mentor to many, including me. More than anything, he was a champion for the young people of our city," said Mayor Scott. "This rec center honors his legacy, serving young people in Brooklyn Homes and Curtis Bay. Building this facility in honor of a man who was the conscience of our democracy at a time when that democracy is under attack makes it even more important. Above all, this is a project designed with and for the people it serves, and I look forward to being back for the ribbon cutting next year."

Situated across the street from Curtis Bay Elementary, and within walking distance to Bay-Brook Elementary Middle School and Benjamin Franklin High School, the new recreation center increases accessibility for after-school programming and more centralized recreation opportunities.

"It is fitting that we stand here in South Baltimore to start construction on a brand-new facility named after Congressman Cummings, who worked tirelessly to increase access to public recreation throughout Baltimore City," said Director Reginald Moore, Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks. "We are grateful for Mayor Scott and the entire city, state and federal delegations who continue to prioritize our youth and recognize that these investments are necessary for a healthy and resilient Baltimore City, both today and for decades to come."

The design includes unique features and amenities not available at any other City recreation centers, including a mixed-use meeting and community space that fully opens to green space, to serve as a giant front porch for community festivals and events. Other features include an indoor regulation gymnasium, locker rooms, fitness center and additional community spaces.

This project is part of the City's Rec Roll Out, which prioritizes youth access to safe, accessible, and state-of-the-art recreational facilities made possible by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Baltimore allocated $5.7 million of ARPA funds, which Mayor Scott used to make strategic investments in Baltimore's future and equitably deliver resources to City residents, like the project celebrated today. The remaining $10 million came from the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to make long-term capital improvements.

Following an 18-month timeline, the project is expected to finish in late 2026. THG/Banneker is serving as the general contractor, while JRS Architects is leading the design. For more information about the Rec Rollout program and Baltimore City's historic investment in recreation and parks, visit bcrp.baltimorecity.gov.

About Baltimore City Recreation & Parks

Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (Rec & Parks) is Baltimore's leading provider of affordable, year-round recreational activities. Rec & Parks builds a stronger Baltimore one community at a time through conservation, well-being and social equity. The agency 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.