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City Releases Recreation Center Implementation

Plan includes $19m in capital investment, expanded programming and staff, afterschool programs and community partnerships.

BALTIMORE (May 1, 2012) — Today, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) released the final Recreation Center implementation plan to transition the City’s aging recreation center network into a new network of high-quality community centers to better serve the recreational needs of the citizens of Baltimore. The final plan includes $19 million in new facility investments, expanded programming, additional operating hours, new afterschool program opportunities, and public private partnerships. The plan is based on the community-driven 2011 Recreation Center Task Force Report.

As part of the Task Force review process, BCRP conducted a thorough assessment of current recreation centers and used a systematic evaluation method, which analyzed potential gaps in service, center use and participation, open space for future build-out, current facility conditions, and proximity to other service providers, among other factors.

“This restructuring plan is bold and innovative but not without tough choices. In the end, it’s the right thing to do for Baltimore's future,” Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said. “Keeping the status quo with dilapidated buildings and depleted staffing and programming is not an option. We need to move forward and make the tough choices and smart investments to create a high-quality recreation center network that will help retain and attract families and grow Baltimore.”

“Our recreation staff wants to offer quality programs in quality facilities for more hours per day. To do this we need adequate staffing levels and buildings that can accommodate, which means consolidating resources,” said Acting BCRP Director Bill Vondrasek. “This means change from the status quo, and change is always difficult. However, I am confident the community will begin to understand why we made these tough decisions when they experience the improved services and offerings at the new and expanded centers.”

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks has laid out a multifaceted approach to ensure high-quality recreational services for all areas of the community:

Over $19 million is slated to build and extensively renovate four new state-of-art, centrally located community centers geared to serve a wide range of ages and interests;
As part of the fiscal year 2013 budget, BCRP will operate 31 improved recreation centers and will leverage partnerships and outside resources through the lease of eight centers to private operators, the lease of six centers to Baltimore City Public Schools, and permanently close four center centers at the conclusion of summer camp on Aug. 10 (two centers out-of-operation since 2009 will remain closed). Afterschool programs will be provided at 10 centers in coordination with the Family League of Baltimore City;
There are no layoffs of existing recreation center staff. Operational hours and number of staff will be increased at the 31 City recreation centers;
BCRP will offer 45 summer camp programs for Baltimore City youth from June 25 until Aug. 10, 2012;
BCRP will implement a computerized recreation registration system (RecPro) to monitor program participation, allow online registration for programs and memberships, and make facility rentals more convenient.

For details of the final Recreation Center Plan, see this Implementation Plan Fact Sheet.

Understanding the importance of a successful transition to the new recreation center model, BCRP will receive an increase of 2.4 percent to the recreation center service, or an additional $249,796 in the fiscal year 2013 budget. Additionally, BCRP has established $200,000 to fund scholarships to pay for program costs for youth who cannot otherwise afford them.

Follow at www.facebook.com/baltimore.recnparks and Twitter @RecNParks

City Announces Summer Pool Schedule

Pools

The 2012 Baltimore City Recreation and Parks summer pool season begins Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 26, with all six Park pools opening simultaneously and operating through Labor Day. The 12 neighborhood walk-to-pools will open for seven weeks at the annual Big Splash, June 23.

In addition, five wading pools and three splash pads will be open this season, and Solo Gibbs is back after a decade of being closed. The renovated facility returns as a prototype for splash pads as a modern recreational amenity in Baltimore City aquatics.

“We’re very excited about Solo Gibbs,” said Darryl Sutton, manager of BCRP Aquatics. “Baltimore City has the oldest pools in the nation. By converting Solo Gibbs into a model splash pad, it addresses issues of age and newer health-code regulations. Plus, this is a really fun place. Kids are going to love the activities.”

Earlier this month, it was announced several walk-to-pools would close for monetary shortfalls and concerns regarding facility conditions and attendance. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake recently announced that an additional six walk-to-pools will be open by utilizing City Foundation donations from the 2010 summer season. BCRP is stepping up needed facility repairs with the Department of General Services to make sure necessary maintenance at walk-to pools will be completed prior to the aquatics season.

Understanding walk-to pools have low attendance and costly maintenance needs, Mayor Rawlings-Blake has charged BCRP with providing a thorough evaluation of the aquatics facilities. The evaluation should include a long-term capital plan that includes possible enhancements to Park pools, evaluating the condition and attendance of walk -to pools, ADA compliances, and possible conversion of walk-to pools to splash pads.

In 2011, only Druid Hill and Patterson Park pools opened Memorial Weekend. This year, all Park pools will be open on weekends from May 26 until the Big Splash, then operate seven days a week through Labor Day, Sept. 3. The walk-to pools will be open seven days a week, June 23-Aug. 12, an increase of one week over the 2011 season.

BCRP will also operate five wading pools this season—all at Park pools with the exception of Druid Hill. The remaining wading pools will continue to be out of operation because they do not have a filtering system and the water cannot be sanitized, creating an unhealthy environment for public use. The wading pools that will be open have a filtration system, sanitation process and meet all current health codes.

As they were in 2011, Callow Hill, Cherry Hill and Chick Webb indoor pools are open for special aquatics programs and camps, starting June 25 through Aug. 10 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Pool admission fees will remain the same at $1.50 for Park pools and $1 at walk-to pools and splash pads.

Baltimore City Aquatics 2012

List of 26 City-operated pools and splash pads that will be open this summer season:

Park Pools—Cherry Hill, Clifton, Druid Hill, Patterson, Riverside, Roosevelt. Hours: Weekends May 26-June 16, then open seven days June 23-Sept. 3.

Neighborhood “Walk-To” Pools—Ambrose Kennedy, Central Rosemont, C.C. Jackson, City Springs, Coldstream, Farring-Baybrook, Greater Model, Liberty, O'Donnell Heights, Towanda, Walter P. Carter, William McAbee. Hours: Open daily June 23-Aug.12.

Indoor Pools —Cherry Hill, Callow Hill and Chick Webb. Hours: Operating on a limited basis for water aerobics classes, programs and rentals.

Splash Pads—Solo Gibbs, North Harford, Walter Soundheim (Inner Harbor). Hours: Walter Soundheim April 1-Nov. 1; Solo Gibbs and North Harford, June 25.

Wading Pools —Cherry Hill, Clifton Park, Patterson Park, Riverside, Roosevelt. Hours: Same schedule as Park Pools.

2012 BALTIMORE BIKE MONTH EVENTS

Listing of the many events

Wednesdays-Thursdays, Starting May 2

Ride Around the Reservoir

Druid Hill Park (near the basketball courts)

5-8 p.m.

Come out each Wednesday and Thursday night, May 2 through Aug. 30, for a leisurely spin around Druid Hill Lake, sponsored by BCRP. We supply the bikes so that you can enjoy the ride, lake, park and incredible views of Baltimore! This family-oriented event is for all ages—and beginners! Bike and helmets provided. Valid driver’s license is required; $5 donation suggested. Info: molly.gallant@baltimorecity.gov.

Tuesdays, Starting May 8

Laps Around the Lake

Lake Montebell0

5-8 p.m.

Come out each Tuesday night, May 8-Aug. 28 for a breezy trip around Lake Montebello, sponsored by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks. We supply the bikes and helmets so that you can enjoy the area! This family-oriented event such as our popular “Rides Around the Reservoir” in Druid Hill Park is for all ages—and beginners Valid driver’s license is required; $5 donation suggested. Info: molly.gallant@baltimorecity.gov.

Saturday, May 5

Kinetic Sculpture Race
American Visionary Arts Museum (Key Highway and Covington Street)
Pre-race festivities, 8:30 a.m.; race begins at 10 a.m.

Join the wackiest and most creative bike event in Baltimore (well, really, the entire East Coast). Bike along with oversized pedaling sculptures through the streets of Baltimore as contestants “race” from Federal Hill to Canton and back. Sculptures test their buoyancy in the harbor and mobility skills through a series of obstacles in Patterson Park. The race ends back at the AVAM in late afternoon.

Roland Park Cyclovia

Roland Avenue to Druid Lake

Noon-4 p.m.

Roland Avenue is closed to motor vehicles and open to the people! Come out for a ride, stroll, party and otherwise easy time to enjoy city streets as a temporary park. The course will be the original Roland Avenue from Northern Parkway southbound, plus this time we will cross Cold Spring, continue southbound on W. University Parkway to Tudor Arms Street, then make our way into Druid Hill Park

Sunday, May 6

Monument-to-Monument Ride

Washington Monument, Mt. Vernon Place

7:45 a.m.

Each year, leaving from Baltimore's Washington Monument in early morning on bicycles, an eager and anxious group of riders snakes their way along quiet roads and paths arriving in another city, Washington, D.C., staring up at the nation’s Washington Monument. After a meal and a return ride, you'll arrive back in Baltimore feeling you have completed a long, challenging journey. Well done.

Visit this link for more details

Monday, May 7, 14, 21

Bike Maintenance Class

Joe’s Bike Shop, Mt. Washington

8 p.m.

Learn how to properly maintain your bike at Joe's Bike Shop in Mt. Washington. Call ahead for details at 443-869-3435.

Friday, May 11

Ride to Cylburn Market Day

Meet at Baltimore Bicycle Works (1813 Falls Rd.)

4-7 p.m.

Enjoy this roughly 6-mile ride along the Jones Falls Trail to the annual Cylburn Arboretum Market Day special preview event. There will be a $20 entrance fee donation to Market Day that will include dinner, music and vendors. Please RSVP for this ride, specifying if you will be returning to BBW or leaving on your own. Info and RSVP: molly.gallant@baltimorecity.gov.

Wednesday, May 16

Ride of Silence

Baltimore War Memorial Plaza, next to City Hall

7 p.m.

The Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

Visit this link for more details

Friday, May 18

Bike to Work Day

Stations across Baltimore

7-9:30 a.m. (times vary by locations)

There will be numerous stations around Baltimore to pedal by, grab some coffee and breakfast, get a quick bike tune-up, mingle a bit, and then head on to work.

Bike From Work Day

Mother’s in Federal Hill

5 p.m. and beyond

Join BIKEMORE for a post-work celebration at Mother’s in Federal Hill. Come meet this new bike advocacy group’s event and meet other riders who want to make Baltimore better for bikes!

Herring Run Trail Ride

Meet at Lake Montebello and head to I-895

6-8 p.m.

Yep, that’s right. . . to 895 through Herring Run Park. This BCRP-sponsored trip is a combination of paved/sand/dirt trails and street riding. Not to mention the exciting stream crossing! Please bring a patch kit and a spare tube. This trip is not recommended for those under age 12. Roundtrip is about 8 miles and should take around two hours. Please RSVP to molly.gallant@baltimorecity.gov or call 443-984-4058.

Saturday, May 19

Ride For the Feast

Ocean City to Baltimore

In its 10^th year, this two-day, 140-mile bike ride across Maryland raises funds for Moveable Feast services and increases awareness of nutritional needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer. Click here to learn more

Curtis Bay Bike Tour

St. Athanasius Church, 4708 Prudence Street

10 a.m.-noon

Take a leisure spin around Curtis Bay with Dr. Nicole King and learn about the historic Curtis Bay. Click here for more details

Sunday, May 20

Jones Falls Trail Ride and Clean

Druid Hill Complex (3100 Swan Dr.)

9 a.m.-noon

Bring your bike and be ready to ride and clean the Jones Falls Trail. Picking up trash and removing broken glass, sprucing up sign beds. Please RSVP to molly.gallant@baltimorecity.gov or call 443-984-4058.

Bike Jam

Patterson Park

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

A daylong festival of cycling! Exciting bike racks, family fun, group rides, food and live music!

Bike Jam hosts the MABRA Age-Graded Criterium Championships.

Sunday, May 22

Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting

Department of Planning, 417 E. Fayette St, 8^th Floor

6 p.m.

Friday, May 25

Gwynns Falls Trail Bike Ride

I-70 Park and Ride

6-8 p.m.

We will travel down the Gwynns Falls Stream Valley through wooded areas, fields and city streets to Federal Hill. Return transportation will be provided at 8 p.m. by RSVP only. Info: molly.gallant@baltimorecity.gov. or call 443-984-4058.

Critical Mass

Washington Monument, Mt. Vernon Place

7 p.m.

Mostly leisure ride around Baltimore, typically ending at a local establishment.

Saturday, May 26

Ride From Fells to Druid

Joe’s Bike Shop, Fells Point

10 a.m.

Take a leisurely 13-mile mossy from Joe’s Shop in Fells Point to Druid Hill and back. This is a no-drop ride, so you don’t have to worry about being left behind. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

Sunday, May 27

Hill Climb Time

Joe’s Bike Shop, Mt. Washington
10 a.m.

Sure, Bellemore Road is steep and 0.8 miles long, but it sure can be fun to climb! Test you own skills and time your climb! Small prizes will be provided for various categories: single speed, road, hybrid and mtb. For men and women 18-and-above, juniors of all ages.

BCRP In the News

Links to media coverage of Baltimore City Recreation and Parks news, events and topics of interest:

February 25

Special Facilities: “Figure Skating In the City” program at MiMi DiPietro Ice Rink – WJZ TV

February 21

Parks: Goddesses and Friends Watch Over Wyman Park Dell — Baltimore Sun

Links to media coverage of Baltimore City Recreation and Parks news, events and topics of interest:

February 5

Parks: Sunday Gardeners Are All About Herbs – WBAL TV

Jan. 31

Parks: A plan for the future of trails — Bike Baltimore

2011

Dec. 22

Rec Centers: Baltimore City awards four rec centers to private groups — Baltimore Sun

Rec Centers: City Council president vents concerns about mayor's plan.
— BaltimoreBrew.com

Dec. 20

Rec Centers: Chief of Recreation Bill Tyler discusses the plan behind privatization on "Maryland Morning." — WYPR-FM 88.1

Dec. 16

Sports: At Upton, Baltimore's young boxers punch their way to victory.
— BaltimoreBrew.com

Dec. 15

Events: Baltimore's own "Jingle Bells" adorns Rawlings Conservatory poinsettia show. — WJZ-Channel 13

Dec. 4

Trails: City is building bike trail to connect Penn Station to Inner Harbor.
— Baltimore Sun

BCRP Videos

News, features and activities highlighting Baltimore City Recreation and Parks videos from our YouTube Channel.

The Playgrounds Lady

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks is in the process of repairing and upgrading most of the City's 121 playgrounds. It's a long and daunting project, but one of great approval by residents. BCRP playgrounds safety coordinator Sarah Hope oversees this job. She is meticulous right down to where weeds are growing. We call her, "The Playground Lady," and this story shows how she helping make Baltimore playgrounds a fun, happy place for kids and parents.

Upton Boxing Center

Since opening in 2005, Upton Boxing Center in central Baltimore has gained a wide reputation for developing young championship-caliber boxers. But it's also a place where kids get terrific guidance and mentoring. Upton is more than a BCRP-managed workout and training facility, it's a place of family and friendships. (March 12, 2012)