Things are happening in Pikesville. While the community eagerly awaits the redevelopment of the historic Pikesville Armory property and other projects, state and local elected leaders came out on Tuesday morning, Oct. 15, for the ribbon-cutting dedication ceremony of the new Meadow Creek Park.
“Community parks are among the many hidden gems in our neighborhoods,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “They encourage us to get outside, connect with our neighbors and enjoy the natural beauty that makes Baltimore County an amazing place to call home.”
Besides Olszewski, among those in attendance at the program were Sen. Shelly L. Hettleman (D-11th), Baltimore County Council Chair Izzy Patoka (D-5th), Bob Smith, director of the county’s Department of Recreation and Parks, and other leaders and members of the community.
Located at 300 Church Lane in the heart of Pikesville, the four-acre Meadow Creek park is the result of extensive community and stakeholder input. The park features a network of walking paths and a footbridge that provide access to a shaded seating area, a natural playground and abundant native plantings.
Environmental features include vegetative buffers and a stormwater management system protecting the Church Meadow Creek and the neighborhood. The park also includes accessible parking.
The property was acquired by the county in 2020 using $432,000 in Maryland Program Open Space funding. Development funding included $850,000 in county general funds, an additional $450,000 from Program Open Space and $150,000 in local open space fee-in-lieu revenue.
“Preserving green space and creating more parks remains a critical component of our efforts to improve the quality of life for all residents, and I look forward to Meadow Creek being a vibrant destination location in Pikesville for years to come,” said Olszewski.
The Department of Recreation and Parks is also currently working on plans to redevelop a four-acre parcel on Bedford Road purchased in 2021 for $1.1 million.
In addition, the county has provided nearly $5.8 million in total direct support — including $4.6 million in capital support — over the past three years toward the redevelopment of the Pikesville Armory by the Pikesville Armory Foundation. This nearly $100 million project will provide significant recreational space in the 2nd District.
“I am so excited about the opening of Meadow Creek Park,” said Patoka. “Parks and open space enhance the quality of life for all of our residents and are particularly impactful to inner beltway communities, where housing densities are higher. I commend the community and the administration for their dedicated work in making Baltimore County beautiful.”
Meadow Creek Park was engineered and designed by TranSystems (formerly Whitney Bailey Cox & Magnani). The general contractor was DSM Contracting.
“Meadow Creek Park and the future park on Bedford Road show the Department continues to expand the opportunities for recreation in Baltimore County,” said Smith, of the Department of Recreation and Parks. “In addition to providing access to excellent recreational programs and facilities, the department is committed to providing residents open green spaces, including in the most densely populated parts of Baltimore County.”
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