PERRY HALL, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Thursday announced the purchase of a 22.3-acre parcel of land at the northeast corner of Gerst Road and New Gerst Lane in the eastern Perry Hall area, through Maryland’s Program Open Space (POS).

The site was purchased for $3.07 million and is the latest effort to expand park and recreation opportunities throughout Baltimore County.  Councilman David Marks initially announced the effort back in March.

“Preserving open space in Baltimore County is a vital way to support a high quality of life for residents of all ages,” Olszewski said. “Our administration’s latest acquisition ensures we are creating another vibrant space for the Perry Hall community to enjoy for years to come.”

“Acquisitions such as these not only preserve precious parkland, but provide opportunities for everyone to play where they live and work right now,” said Recreation and Parks Director Roslyn Johnson. “COVID has reinforced how important the outdoors is for both physical and mental health, and we are happy that this site will provide even more green space for Baltimore County.”

“Acquiring this property means this 22-acre site in eastern Perry Hall will be permanently preserved for open space,” said Councilman David Marks. “The County Executive became personally involved in negotiations last year, a role that helped finalize this sale, and I thank the Olszewski administration for their support.”

This latest acquisition will add significant acreage to the County’s existing network of parks within the densely populated Honeygo Growth Area.