Department ofRecreation and Parks

Access to parks and recreation facilities leads to healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and ability levels. According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, creating, improving and promoting places to be physically active can improve individual and community health and result in a 25 percent increase of residents who exercise at least three times per week. Just a moderate amount of physical activity has a significant impact on mental health as well, offering a decrease in stress, anxiety, anger and depression. With 216 parks in the Baltimore County system, 43 community facilities and over 82 miles of trails, we aim to help our residents and visitors stay happy and healthy.

Parks are key community contributors when it comes to addressing the effects of climate change or preserving natural habitats. Parks and protected public lands are proven to improve water quality, protect groundwater, prevent flooding, improve the quality of the air we breathe, provide vegetative buffers to development, produce habitat for wildlife and provide a place for children and families to connect with nature and recreate outdoors together.

Parks and Recreation facilities are powerful engines of economic activity. Parks improve the local tax base and it’s proven that private property values increase the value of privately-owned land the closer such land is to parks. This increase in private property value due to the proximity to parks improves local economies. In fact, quality parks and recreation are cited as one of the top three reasons that business cite in relocation decisions in a number of studies.

Universal access to public parks and recreation is a right, not just a privilege. Baltimore County Recreation and Parks enhances social equity through providing facilities and programs accessible to our community members regardless of income, race, age, and ability. Parks have a value to communities that transcends the amount of dollars invested or the revenues gained from fees. They provide a sense of public pride and cohesion to every community. The Recreation and Parks team commits and cares about the presence of social equity in our community and recognizes the importance of demonstrating that value every day.