BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, August 2, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP), and City and State officials unveiled a new name for an upgraded playspace in Northeast Baltimore. The former Lake Montebello Playground, which now sports brand-new playground and fitness equipment, has been renamed Council President Mary Pat Clarke Playground.
Councilperson Clarke served 32 years on the Baltimore City Council, including eight as the City of Baltimore’s first female council president, from 1987-1995. Additionally, she was the councilperson for District 2, from 1975-1983, and then District 14, from 2004-2020. Throughout her tenure, she served on several council committees and was a strong advocate for integrating electoral slates, which led to the election of several African Americans to City Council in the 1970s.
“My administration is committed to working with our communities to usher in a new era for recreation in Baltimore – one that is equipped with high-quality, state-of-the-art spaces and services that benefit the overall well-being of our residents,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “As part of our ongoing investments into recreation spaces all across Baltimore, the former Lake Montebello Playground has been newly renovated for young people in the surrounding communities to enjoy and renamed in honor of forever-Council President Mary Pat Clarke.”
The City is upgrading 23 playgrounds — 20 are ARPA-funded — by the end of 2024. This Rec Rollout project is an investment of nearly $234,000. In 2021, the City made a $120-million commitment to revitalize its recreational spaces. This includes $41 million in ARPA funding to upgrade public spaces and parks – $5.5 million of which is allocated to update playspaces.
“Our playgrounds are an important place for our young people to grow and develop socially. These spaces provide children with a venue to stay active, build lasting friendships, and feel a sense of belonging,” said Director Reginald Moore, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. “Rec & Parks is able to carry out its work because Mayor Scott truly recognizes the value of investing resources into our recreational spaces – especially playgrounds. The mayor’s commitment allows us to leverage this generational investment to upgrade our many playspaces.”
BCRP’s Rec Rollout includes ribbon cuttings and a series of groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreational projects. The City is slated to continue announcing upgrades for several recreation spaces throughout 2024.
For event registration, and to stay up to date with these events and more, visit https://www.baltimorecity.gov/bcrp and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Recnparks.