Best Ways To Utilize Baltimore's Parks & Rec Department
Going to the park is a favorite pastime for many people. Whether your style is reading under a shady tree, having a picnic or mingling with friends, a park setting can enhance any pleasant feeling. With that said, from outdoor events to immaculate green spaces, Baltimore parks feature perks that can fulfill many desires.
Baltimore Parks & Recreation Department
Dr. Ralph W.E. Jones Jr. Administration Building
Druid Hill Park
3001 East Drive
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-7900
bcrp.baltimorecity.gov
Hiking Trails
This 15-mile trail provides adventurous Baltimoreans with unique hiking and biking opportunities. Established in 1998, the Gwynns Falls Trail is owned and managed by the City of Baltimore. The Parks & People Foundation also coordinates community involvement, volunteer activities and events along the trail. Whether you choose to master the trail alone, or make it into group thing, you'll definitely want to do it again. Also try engaging in a Gwynns Falls Trails Council Membership to help the Trail be the best urban trail experience in America!
The Trail Council is a dynamic organization, supported by Parks & People Foundation with the cooperation of Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, to promote the trail and facilitate its maintenance. These organizations create a natural, safe, inviting, green space for everyone to enjoy. Sign up today! For additional events taking place at the trail, visit the website.
Summer Sport Leagues
The home for many summer festivals and concerts, Baltimore's Patterson Park also remains a popular location for area sports leagues, such as Harbor Federal Baseball Club, Maryland Major Soccer League and Metro Baseball League. For more information on other sports teams that use Patterson Park facilities and additional field use, contact Don Salamone at (410) 396-9177 or Bob Wall at (410) 396-9392.
Those who want to find a good, healthy activity for their teenager this summer can also check out the B'More Night Hoops Basketball League. Youths ages 15-17 can sign up to play a game every Sunday night into September, and registration will run into mid-July. It's the perfect way to get teenagers out and involved in a healthy, safe and fun summer activity. For more information, visit the program page.
Related: Best Garden Centers In Baltimore
Host An Event
Whether you want to host a walk, rally, picnic or anything else, it's easy to put together through a permit. You can rent out a portion of a park for your next family gathering or the kids' birthdays, and the parks department will be happy to assist in accomodations to make the event as organized and as fun as you've envisioned. A general park permit for any private events, like a family gathering or a big wedding day, must be received by the park at least 30 days prior to the event with a fee of $35. If you're planning for your event to take place at the Inner Harbor, the application fee is $75 and it must be received at least eight weeks before the event is planned to take place. With such a simplified process, it's no wonder folks flock to the parks for all their big events!
Go For A Swim
Ditch the heat with a family swim this summer at one of the city's available public pools. With six park pools and 12 neighborhood pools, there are plenty of options available. Opening Memorial Day weekend (weekends only until June 19), stroll to the pool of your choice and pay the very affordable entrance fee of $2 for a two hour swim at a park pool, or $1 for a neighborhood pool. But some family fun time isn't all you can do at these swim spots — the parks department also offers swim lessons, kayaking lessons, CPR lessons, lifeguard training and more.
Ashly E.Smith is a freelance writer and native of Baltimore,Maryland. As regular contributor to the Examiner and columnist for Graffiti on the Wall Hip Hop Magazine, she has a strong Pop Culture and Entertainment background. With articles that inspire; as well as,entertain, she enjoys sharing her craft with the masses.
