BALTIMORE, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski – along with state and local elected officials and community stakeholders – on Tuesday unveiled the COVID-19 Memorial Public Art Project at Lake Roland, a commemoration of the far-reaching impacts of the pandemic that claimed the lives of more than 3,100 County residents. This is the first public art project commissioned by Baltimore County.

“More than 3,000 Baltimore County residents lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are committed to honoring their cherished memories and the profound impact they had on our lives and communities,” said County Executive Olszewski. “This memorial – created in partnership with community stakeholders and artists – offers a space to find hope for healing, and peace while remembering the beloved neighbors and loved ones taken from us far too soon.”

The freestanding project was designed by artist James Dinh, whose design was selected in 2021 from a pool of 74 submissions by a panel of eight judges including members of the regional arts community and representatives from the Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences and Lake Roland Nature Council. The memorial overlooks the waters of Lake Roland and features a pathway, gathering circle, prayer millstone, inscribed mending wall, seating, and memorial mound with plantings.

Etched into the wall are several personalized poems and stories submitted by community members that describe the pandemic’s toll.

Input on the memorial project included a series of public input meetings facilitated in partnership with the Baltimore County Arts Guild. The County Council approved the selection in January 2022.

“We welcome visitors to Lake Roland and this memorial to recognize and commemorate the lives tragically lost and those who were touched by COVID-19,” said Bob Smith, director of the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. “During the pandemic, parks in Baltimore County and nationwide became even more essential as an outlet for residents in uncertain and trying times. Our parks often serve as a space the public uses to find peace and comfort and we are hopeful that this dedicated space will in some small way perhaps provide that to our visitors.”

County departments that supported the project include the Department of Economic and Workforce Development, Department of Recreation and Parks, Department of Health and Human Services, the Property Management Division, and Office of Law.

Lake Roland is open to the public daily from sunrise until sunset.