Olszewski Announces Major Updates for New 22-Acre Sparrows Point Park Project at Tradepoint Atlantic

February 17, 2021

TOWSON, MD — County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced major updates for a new Sparrows Point Park project, which will be co-located at Tradepoint Atlantic.
 

This project will be the first entirely new park built by Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks in six years and will fill a longstanding recreational gap in the Edgemere-Sparrows Point area.

“Our parks allow us to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate all our county has to offer and I’m thrilled that this new site will provide an engaging and supportive space for the Sparrows Point community—and beyond,” said Olszewski. “Growing up in the shadow of the steel mill, I’ve seen firsthand how Tradepoint Atlantic is transforming our local economy and I’m thankful for their continued partnership as we now work to provide this vibrant neighborhood hub that will connect our families and communities for generations to come.”

“We are pleased to partner with the County Executive and the Sparrows Point – Edgemere community to provide this much needed and promised parkland for public recreational use,” Said Aaron Tomarchio, Executive Vice President for Tradepoint Atlantic. “Integrating a public park into our re-development plan is simply the right thing to do, and something the community requested we consider since day one. We look forward to taking this next step to bring a Sparrows Point community park to reality.”

Shortly after taking office in December 2018, Olszewski worked with Tradepoint Atlantic to adjust a previously negotiated public infrastructure agreement to provide the County with a major parcel of environmentally clean, accessible land for a new public park.

County officials and Tradepoint Atlantic have now identified a potential 22-acre water-view site located at 1900 Wharf Road to serve as the location for this new park.

Project Details

The proposed park will be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum designed project that includes:

  • 16,000 square foot community center with double court gym, two community-accessible activity rooms and concessions area
  • Full-size synthetic turf field with LED lighting
  • 10,000 square foot playground
  • ADA accessible fishing pier and kayak launch
  • Scenic walking path

"The opportunity to create a new waterfront park with amenities for citizens of all ages is rare and I am excited by the potential. We have advocated and discussed the possibility since the advent of Tradepoint Atlantic and they have always been open to the discussion," said Councilman Todd K. Crandell. "Thanks to the work and negotiation between the community, the Administration, TPA and the County Council, a once in a generation opportunity to create an amazing new park and community center is coming to fruition."

"A new facility located at Tradepoint Atlantic would be an invaluable asset to the southeast area communities we have served for over 70 years,” said Tim Dodge, President of the Edgemere-Sparrows Point Recreation Council. “We’re excited for a state-of-the art site that will alleviate existing logistical challenges and expand capacity for our many programs, while paying homage to the proud history of the Sparrows Point area."

County to Host Community Input Meeting February 22

To ensure this project best meets the needs of communities, County officials will host a virtual community input meeting on Monday, February 22, at 7 p.m. to share additional details for the project and to seek community feedback on the proposal.

Sparrows Point Park Virtual Community Input Meeting

  • Monday, 2/22; 7 p.m.
  • Via Webex
  • Call in: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 180 607 2992

Community members are encouraged to view the proposed plan and submit comments, questions and feedback by visiting baltimorecountymd.gov/sparrowspointpark or by emailing SparrowsPointPark@BaltimoreCountyMD.gov.

Residents Invited to Take Online Survey

The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks is inviting residents to participate in an online survey to share their input on amenities at Sparrows Point Park. The survey is available here.

More information about the project and proposed plan is available here.

Following completion of the project’s design, a groundbreaking for the new Sparrows Point Park is expected later this year.

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