DUNDALK, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and the Department of Recreation and Parks on Tuesday announced the completion of a new boat ramp at Merritt Point Park in Dundalk, which will provide enhanced accessibility for residents and offer a new soft launch for kayaks and canoes to improve access for a wide range of water and paddle sports.

“This boat ramp renovation and new kayak launch better connects Baltimore County residents and visitors to our incredible natural resources, providing another point of safe and convenient access to our waterways,” said County Executive Olszewski. “Thanks to the Department of Natural Resources and our team at the Department of Recreation and Parks for their partnership to deliver on this opportunity to experience all the scenic beauty our shorelines have to offer.”

The $1 million project, secured through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, was supported by nearly $900,000 in State and Federal waterways and boating grants, and is the County’s first major project of its kind in more than 15 years.

“The Department is excited to reopen the Merritt Point Park Boat Ramp and equally excited to add the new kayak and canoe soft launch area, the first step in our recommitment to water access for our residents and visitors,” said Recreation and Parks Director Bob Smith. “Baltimore County is home to some of the most beautiful waterways in the State and we are excited to provide the public the opportunity to access them. The Department would like to thank DNR and the County Executive for their continued support towards providing quality recreation opportunities of all varieties to the public.”

“With hundreds of miles of shoreline, Southeastern Baltimore County has so many unique opportunities and beautiful locations for waterfront recreation, including Merritt Point Park in Dundalk,” said Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell. “I’m excited to see this kayak launch open to the public and look forward to seeing our residents enjoy it for generations to come. Thanks to County Executive Olszewski and the Department of Recreation and Parks for working to bring this new amenity to fruition.”

The Merritt Point Park boat ramp and soft launch project is one of the first steps in a comprehensive park renovation and enhancement project. Over the next two years, a variety of park renovations, including walking paths, pavilions and playground renovations are planned for the park, as part of the County’s efforts to revitalize its older, established community and neighborhood parks.

“The Department of Natural Resources is proud to be a partner in upgrading this important public boating access facility, using federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Boating Access and state Waterway Improvement Funds,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Deputy Secretary David Goshorn. “Merritt Point Park boating access facility renovation is a perfect example of how federal, state and local governments can work together to modernize facilities and create accessibility for all to Maryland’s waterways.”

Merritt Point Park is one of nine County parks that provide convenient boating access to the public, with each site offering boat trailer parking. There is no fee to access Merritt Point Park, or for the use of the ramp or launch facilities.