Mayor Scott, Rec & Parks Unveil Upgraded Greenspace and New Park Name at Former Northwest Baltimore Academy
Tuesday Jul 23rd, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, July 23, 2024) – Yesterday, Mayor Scott, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP), City and State officials, and community members, including representatives from the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Terps Youth Sports program, unveiled a new name for an upgraded greenspace at a former Northwest Baltimore school and police training facility. Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, Delegate Malcolm Ruff, Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, and former Councilwoman Rikki Spector were all present for the event.
Pimlico Safety Academy’s greenspace, which previously housed a baseball diamond, football field, and multipurpose space, will now be known as The Fields at Pimlico Park. The Baltimore Terps Youth Sports program and the community currently utilize the space.
“As a son of Park Heights, it is powerful to see the transformation of this space and to know that it will serve generations of Baltimore’s young people,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We have made a commitment under my administration, that every Baltimoreans deserves access to world-class recreation facilities and outdoor greenspaces. This field upgrade is a commitment to that promise and I am immensely proud of how the community and the entire City of Baltimore has come together to help deliver it."
This Rec Rollout project — an investment of nearly $900,000 — is funded through ARPA and Pimlico Community Development Authority (PCDA) resources. The City leveraged PCDA funds to install a brand-new playing surface on the football field and the Ravens gifted a new scoreboard.
“We’re committed to providing our residents with high-quality, state-of-the-art spaces and services that benefit their overall well-being. This project is another great example of how we’re going neighborhood to neighborhood to ensure that we’re equitably investing in our recreational spaces,” said Director Reginald Moore, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. “The upgrades we’re seeing across the City are possible because our Mayor recognizes the value in investing resources into recreation. Projects like these are great for our communities and help us carry out our mission of improving the health and wellness of our residents.”
Additionally, the park now features a fresh, modern, state-of-the-art, ARPA-funded playground. This playground is one of 23 the City is slated to install by the end of 2024. Twenty are ARPA funded.
“Investing ARPA funds into our recreational facilities and parks not only revitalizes these spaces but also fosters a stronger sense of community and promotes healthier lifestyles for our residents,” said Chief Recovery Officer Shamiah Kerney. "By transforming our parks and recreation centers into modern, inviting spaces, we are creating hubs where families can come together, children can play safely, and people of all ages can engage in physical activities.”
BCRP’s Rec Rollout includes ribbon cuttings and a series of groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreational projects. The City is slated to continue announcing upgrades for several recreation spaces throughout 2024.
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.