ROSEDALE, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, the Department of Recreation and Parks, and other elected officials on Friday broke ground on a new Recreation Activity Center (RAC) in Rosedale. The new facility, supported by more than $7 million in state and County funds, will open alongside McCormick Elementary School and provide dedicated Esports programming as well as a focus on recreational, social and wellness opportunities for residents of all ages.

“We believe all communities benefit from having access to recreational centers with high-quality programming, interactive activities and the opportunity to build strong social bonds,” said County Executive Olszewski. “The Rosedale RAC is poised to be a vibrant community hub and I am grateful to our state and County Council partners for their support in helping to make this project a reality.”

“One of our goals at Recreation and Parks is to expose youth and adults to as many opportunities as possible so that they can determine their interests,” said Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks Director Roslyn Johnson. “Esports is an exciting new program that levels the playing field as it pertains to accessibility, and is a pathway to recreational pursuits and potential career possibilities.”

Expected to be completed in early 2024, the approximately 15,000-square-foot Rosedale RAC announced today, will offer:

• A full-sized gymnasium;
• Dedicated Esports gaming room;
• Four multi-use activity rooms; and
• A new exterior multipurpose court.

“I am proud to have advocated for not just this center, but recreational opportunities across the County,” said County Councilwoman Cathy Bevins. “This has been a long time coming and I’m looking forward to this new community hub in the heart of Rosedale, where families will make memories for years to come.”

“I was happy to play a part in securing state funding for the Rosedale RAC and to work with Baltimore County to see it become a reality,” said Maryland State Delegate Carl Jackson. “I know this center will make a real difference in the lives of kids in Baltimore County and cannot wait to be back for the grand opening!”

Baltimore County Announces Plan for Reimagined “Recreation Activity Centers”

The groundbreaking for the new Rosedale center comes as the County officials today announced plans to reimagine the County’s nine existing Police Athletic Centers (PAL) as Recreation Activity Centers (RACs), which will offer expanded programming options.

While members of law enforcement still participate in activities in various centers, current facilities have been managed and staffed by Department of Recreation and since 2011. Law enforcement will continue to provide a presence at all County RAC sites.

Under the new RAC model, Baltimore County’s centers will — in addition to athletic and after-school programming — provide more expansive recreational, art, health, and wellness offerings, including for residents of all ages and younger children who were traditionally are limited from PAL programming. Adults will be required to accompany children under the age of six.

Programs and resources will vary by location and be designed to meet the needs of each community. Each RAC will also feature a unique theme. The new Rosedale RAC will feature an Esports theme and will offer a dedicated gaming room, highlight the history of electronic gaming, and promote technological advances associated with this field.

The new Rosedale RAC will join the County’s nine existing sites at Cockeysville, Dundalk, Hillendale, Lansdowne, Mars Estates, Scotts Branch, Shady Spring, Winfield, and Woodmoor.

Baltimore County’s transition to RACs will occur over the coming months.