Seventeen additional ARPA-funded playgrounds are slated for 2024

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, December 14, 2023) – Today, the City of Baltimore hosted a Day of Play to celebrate plans to upgrade several playgrounds across Baltimore. The City is utilizing ARPA funding to revamp a total of 20 playspaces.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) and City and State leaders to cut the ribbon on a brand-new playground at Northeast Baltimore’s Radecke Park. Additionally, the City announced the completion of reimagined playspaces at Indiana Avenue and Shipley Hill. BCRP also showcased plans to revamp 17 additional ARPA-funded playgrounds by the end of 2024.

“Over the span of our Rec Rollout, we’ve made incredible strides in our commitment to ensure all of our residents – especially our young people – have access to state-of-the-art, high quality recreational facilities and spaces that empower them,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Today’s playground ribbon-cutting is just one of many examples of how we’re moving to open, expand, and improve our facilities. Few things are better than knowing these young Baltimoreans have a new space in their community where they can safely play, be themselves, and let their imagination run wild.”

In 2021, the City of Baltimore received $41 million in ARPA funding to upgrade public spaces and parks. The City is allocating $5 million to update local playspaces. Upgrades at the Indiana Avenue, Radecke Park, and Shipley Hill playgrounds — which now feature brand-new, ADA-accessible KOMPAN equipment — represent a total investment of nearly $750,000. 

“As the City’s Rec Rollout continues, residents should be pleased to see American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding invested in initiatives that help further restore a sense of normalcy to Baltimore,” said Chief Recovery Officer Shamiah Kerney. “Supporting the rehabilitation of outdoor spaces encourages social interaction and helps address the isolation and limited socialization experienced during the pandemic’s periods of restricted activity. During that time, our parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds were necessary and needed—and we discovered that we could do more to address those needs. Through Mayor Scott’s $41 million commitment, we are determined to modernize our parks and recreation system and provide the kind of facilities Baltimore City residents deserve.”

Radecke Park Playground, which dates back to 2001, now includes a climber, hammock, play structure, and sensory panels. Built in 1997, Indiana Avenue Playground offers users a new swing set, carousel, climber, rambler, and sensory panels. At Shipley Hill, also constructed in 2001, youth can take advantage of a carousel, climber, swing set, and fitness equipment.

“We have more than 135 playgrounds throughout the City of Baltimore, and we’re excited about the brand-new playgrounds that are coming online in 2024. We’re grateful to Mayor Scott for his commitment of ARPA funding, and the support from the State, in making these projects possible,” said Director Reginald Moore, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. “Playgrounds are a vital resource for Baltimore’s youth to strengthen their physical, social, and emotional health. “This is why it is so important that we’re providing top-notch, state-of-the-art spaces for our kids to play in.”

This is the third playground ribbon-cutting celebration in connection with the City’s Rec Rollout. BCRP’s Rec Rollout includes playground ribbon cuttings and a series of groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreation center projects. The City is slated to announce upgrades at Walter P. Carter Swimming Pool next week.

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.