ROSEDALE, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Department of Recreation and Parks officials on Tuesday joined elected officials, community members, and gaming enthusiasts to open Baltimore County’s newest Recreation Activity Center (RAC) in Rosedale. Located alongside McCormick Elementary School, the new facility focuses on recreational, social, and wellness opportunities for residents and provides dedicated esports programming for all ages.

“We are proud of the ways we continue to expand recreational opportunities in every neighborhood, and this new center will provide residents the opportunity to stay active, build connections with neighbors and stay up to date on the latest technology,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We are grateful to our partners for their support of this state-of-the-art facility, and look forward to this being a community hub for years to come.”

Rosedale RAC features include a gymnasium with a stage, movie screen, and sound system; several reservable activity rooms suitable for classes, events, or meetings; an outdoor multipurpose court; and a gaming room with computers and consoles for competitive multi-player video gaming. The facility includes an esports-themed design to inspire curiosity about and engagement with technology.

The $12.6 million center was supported with $10.8 million in Baltimore County funds, $1.7 million in Maryland Program Open Space funding, and a $50,000 capital grant secured by members of the county’s delegation to the state legislature.

“The Rosedale RAC is going to be a shining light for the Hazelwood and Rosedale neighborhoods,” said Baltimore County Councilman Mike Ertel. “It will be place where residents of all ages will be able to gather, interact, exercise, learn and play.”

The Rosedale RAC is the second of a new generation of recreation activity centers to open this year, following the debut of the Middle River Recreation Activity Center in August. RACs provide an increased variety of programming for all ages, drop-in sports, after school programs, and multifaceted activity rooms available for community groups. Program registration and room reservations at Baltimore County’s 11 RACs – as well as Recreation and Parks facilities and park features countywide – can be made on the department’s CivicRec portal.

“We are reimagining recreation opportunities in Baltimore County, expanding our offerings and facilities countywide. We are pleased to add a new recreation activity center to a community that has long expressed a need for a freestanding indoor recreation amenity,” said Department of Recreation and Parks Director Bob Smith. “This new center in Rosedale is a destination for Baltimore County residents seeking out e-sports and addresses the community’s desires for high-quality programs and opportunities.”

Baltimore County’s newest recreation offering is part of a broader vision to enhance recreational spaces. Recent projects in Eastern Baltimore County include the rejuvenation of Hamiltowne Park, the new Middle River Recreation Activity Center (RAC), Essex Field at Renaissance Park, and the recently opened Hazelwood Skate Park.

The project consultant was Manns Woodward Studios and the general contractor was North Point Builders.

Photos via Baltimore County Government