Mayor Scott, BCRP, DHCD announced plans for a brand new recreation center in Parkview
As part of the Rec launch, the complete refurbishment will help catalyze the ongoing transformation of the neighbourhood
Baltimore, Maryland (Wednesday, November 15, 2023) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP), the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and officials from the federal, state and local levels announced plans for a brand-new recreation center at Parkview. Parkview is the third of four entertainment facilities scheduled for renovation in connection with the City’s Rec Rollout.
BCRP and DHCD are working side-by-side to return the 2.8-acre site — currently inhabited by Parkview Recreation Center and the shuttered Westside Elementary School — to productive use. The Parkview Recreation Center and Westside Primary School are both scheduled to be demolished.
“The investments we are making in providing world-class recreation and parks facilities throughout the city are part of our broader efforts to overcome the decades of disinvestment that have plagued communities like this in West Baltimore for decades.” Mayor Brandon M. Scott said. “These recreation centers have the power to change the lives of everyone — especially our youth — in the neighborhoods they serve. By bringing together so many different agencies to make this possible, the Parkview Recreation Center project is an example of how we are prioritizing putting these resources in our neighborhoods across government. “I would like to thank all the partners at the federal, state and local levels who have been part of this effort and join all the residents who will benefit from this renewal project in welcoming this new vision for recreation and parks in West Baltimore.”
The City plans to leverage these strong community assets to help foster subsequent transformative development in neighboring communities. This project also supports equitable neighborhood development and prioritizing youth, which is consistent with two of the mayor’s core pillars.
“Today’s groundbreaking work embodies equitable community development, guided by public investment to realize the neighborhood’s vision and maximize the project’s benefits for current and future residents alike.” Councilman James Torrence said. “The Pennsylvania community receives a new facility, envisioned by its residents and accompanied by a comprehensive development plan, creating a strong public anchor and resource center. This initiative is intended to catalyze improvements in housing, transportation and other essential aspects.”
Highlights of the new facility include a large gym, catering kitchen, community/multi-purpose rooms, office space, and a robust open fitness area. Additionally, the site will feature a new community-centered, multi-generational park containing a large, flexible-use green space for walking, jogging and skating. The park will also have flat play areas, trails, a picnic pavilion and a large playground with an amphitheater.
“We are excited about the plans to transform this property into a major community asset. At BCRP, we are truly committed to ensuring our residents have access to high-quality, modern facilities and services that benefit the overall well-being of our residents.” said BCRP Executive Director Reginald Moore. “The City is grateful to the community and our federal and state partners for working with us to make our collective vision for this reimagined entertainment space a reality, and in turn build a better Baltimore.”
The cost of this project is expected to be approximately $12.3 million. The city has received a funding commitment of $11.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through DHCD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. CDBG is a HUD program designed to give local jurisdictions the authority to distribute federal funds directly to public and nonprofit agencies that support housing and public service programs. Its primary goal is to develop viable communities by providing low- to moderate-income families with decent, affordable housing and expanding local economic opportunities.
“DHCD’s Consolidated Planning Team has worked diligently to identify the critical resources needed to help move this project forward.” said Housing Commissioner Alice Kennedy. “The Community Development Block Grant funding we have made available for this project is a significant $11.3 million investment that will strengthen this community, expand opportunities and improve overall quality of life. This effort aligns with the Mayor’s pillars of Building a Better Baltimore and will support our efforts to reduce vacant properties on the surrounding blocks.”
“With this project, we see intent in choosing to invest more than $11 million of CDBG funds in this neighborhood to create a community asset that has the potential to improve the quality of life for residents who live here and begin the regeneration of this historic neighborhood.” Stephanie L said: Staats, director of the HUD field office in Baltimore. “HUD is very excited and thrilled to be a part of this as a catalyst for understanding that this new center will be a safe place to exercise, play, socialize and gather as a community which is so important.”
“In 2015, the eyes of the world turned to Northern Pennsylvania to highlight its shortcomings.” said State Senator Antonio Hayes (40th District). “Today’s announcement of a 21st century entertainment center is confirmation of its renaissance!”
Demolition work is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The new Parkview Entertainment Center is scheduled for completion in 2025.
BCRP’s Rec Rollout includes a stadium ribbon cutting and a series of groundbreaking ceremonies announcing upcoming recreation center projects. The city is scheduled to announce upgrades to additional entertainment spaces in the coming months.
About Baltimore City Entertainment and Parks
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) is Baltimore’s leading provider of affordable, year-round recreational activities. BCRP builds a stronger Baltimore community one at a time through environmental conservation, well-being, and social justice. BCRP manages and maintains 263 parks, 51 recreation centers, 25 miles of biking and hiking trails, and approximately 4,700 acres of parkland. To learn more about our programs and services, visit http://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/.
To register, and to stay up to date on these events and more, visit https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/recreation, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @Recnparks.
