ROSEDALE, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Department of Recreation and Parks officials on Thursday joined state and local elected officials and skateboard enthusiasts to break ground for Hazelwood Skate Park in the Rosedale community.

This will be the Baltimore County’s second public skate bowl facility in nearly fifty years.

“Recreational activities and community spaces that keep residents of all ages engaged is a win for everyone, and we are all in on this skate park,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Hazelwood is just one of the many transformative projects from our Department of Recreation and Parks, and I’m proud to work with our State and local partners on these meaningful and exciting upstream investments.”

Located on 10.5 acres of undeveloped County-owned space, the $4.3 million Hazelwood Skate Park project will become eastern Baltimore County’s counterpart to the revered Sandy Hills Skate Park in Lansdowne, which first opened in 1978.

Baltimore County also features two modular skate parks; Hannah More Skate Park in Reisterstown and Cockeysville Skate Park in Cockeysville. There is no fee for the use of any of these public facilities.

The park is designed for skateboarders – and those who bike, roller skate and ride scooters – of all skill levels, from novices to professionals. Ensuring the project reflected the vision of local advocates of a skateboarding hub with national appeal, the Department of Recreation and Parks worked with the Baltimore County Skateboard Council to design a modern skate facility with a concrete bowl as its central feature. In addition to the skatepark, the project will include the construction of a park access road and parking lot, as well as various support amenities.

Expected to be completed in fall 2024, a significant portion of the property will remain wooded, ensuring the preservation of natural green space within the densely populated community.

“We are excited to break ground on Baltimore County’s first newly built concrete bowl skate park in nearly 50 years,” said Director Bob Smith. “Recognizing the diversity of our county, we understand the varied recreational needs of our residents. This park represents our County’s commitment to providing appropriate recreation access to all of our residents and visitors.”

“Baltimore County Skateboard Council invites everyone to celebrate the groundbreaking for Hazelwood Skatepark, Baltimore County’s first all-concrete skatepark in more than 40 years,” said Bill Felter of the Baltimore County Skateboard Council. “This marks the first success in our effort to expand the availability of safe, modern spaces for skateboarding, roller skating, and BMX riding in our local communities.”

Hazelwood Park is situated along the planned Northeast Regional Trail extension, which will link the park with a host of other venues, including Holt Park and Center for the Arts, Linover Park, the Overlea Park Site, Overlea High School Recreation Center, and Elmwood Elementary School Recreation Center, thereby enhancing accessibility and connectivity for County residents.

The Hazelwood Skate Park is part of Baltimore County’s broader vision to enhance recreational spaces. Recent projects in Eastern Baltimore County include the rejuvenation of Hamiltowne Park and groundbreaking for the Rosedale Recreation Activity Center. Planning for a comprehensive renovation and enhancement project at Holt Park and Center for the Arts is also underway.

Photo via Pixabay