SPARROWS POINT, MD—Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, the Department of Recreation and Parks, elected officials and community stakeholders on Wednesday participated in a ribbon cutting event at Sparrows Point Park, the first new major recreational site in southeast Baltimore County in more than two decades.

Located on a portion of what was once one of the world’s largest steel-producing and shipbuilding companies in the country, the accessible and sustainably designed waterfront park pays homage to Bethlehem Steel’s industrial and cultural heritage. A signature Bethlehem Steel I-beam is incorporated into the park’s entry sign, and the company’s red coloring is visible on exposed beams in the community center.

“Sparrows Point Park offers everything you could want in a modern park, and will absolutely be Baltimore County’s newest destination location for residents of all ages,” said County Executive Klausmeier. “This project was truly a group effort, and I thank Tradepoint Atlantic for its substantial land donation, our Recreation and Parks team for overseeing this impressive project, and the generous federal, state, and local support that made this vision a reality.”

Sparrows Point Park is Baltimore County’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-designed park project and includes:

• A 16,000 square-foot community center with double court gym
• A 10,000 square-foot nautical-themed playground with boat climbing structure
• Two community-accessible activity rooms and concessions area
• Full-size synthetic turf field with LED lighting
• ADA-accessible fishing pier and kayak launch
• A scenic walking path

Approximately half of the site is undeveloped to preserve the area’s natural environment and scenic beauty.

“We are excited to open another top-notch recreational facility for Southeast Baltimore County and the surrounding areas,” said Department of Recreation and Parks Director Bob Smith. “Sparrows Point Park represents our commitment to providing quality recreational amenities that meet the need of visitors of all abilities while remaining focused on respecting the area’s history, being environmentally mindful and providing a new space to foster a sense of community for our residents and park users.”

The Department of Recreation and Parks will soon install display cases in the community center featuring Bethlehem Steel memorabilia. Those with items or photography available for donation or loan to the site are encouraged to contact [email protected].

To support the approximately $25 million project, Baltimore County secured $4 million in Maryland Program Open Space funding, $3 million in Federal HUD Community Project Funding, $3 million from the state of Maryland and $1.75 million in ARPA funding. The property was generously donated by Tradepoint Atlantic.

Sparrows Point Park is one of several recent projects to enhance recreational facilities on the County’s East side. The Department recently opened the Rosedale Recreation Activity Center, Middle River Recreation Activity Center, and Hazelwood Skate Park, as well as the rejuvenated Hamiltowne Park and Essex Field at Renaissance Park.

The design consultant was MWS Studios and the contractor was MCN Builds.

Information about the park and upcoming events is available at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/sparrowspointpark.

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