Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Maryland officials celebrated Wednesday’s ribbon‑cutting for the second phase of Rash Field Park, a waterfront redevelopment that now offers more than five acres of accessible public space for Baltimore families and visitors.
New amenities for a thriving community
The expansion adds pickleball and beach volleyball courts, an outdoor fitness area, and a new plaza designed for live music and community events. More than 200 trees were planted throughout the park, which already features gardens, terraced seating, open lawns, a nature walk and an urban beach.
Last month the city launched Baltimore’s first ADA‑accessible public kayak launch at Rash Field Park, along with two self‑service kayak rental stations—one at the park and another at Bond Street Wharf in Fells Point.
Funding and partners
The $18 million Phase 2 project was financed through a partnership between the state of Maryland, which contributed $14 million, and Baltimore City, which pledged $4.5 million. Plano‑Coudon served as construction manager and general contractor, while Mahan Rykiel Associates led the design team.
“Rash Field Park is becoming the kind of waterfront park Baltimore deserves—a place where you can play a game, work out, spend time outside with your family, enjoy live music or simply sit by the water,” said Dan Taylor, president of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. He noted that the park’s features reflect direct input from Baltimore residents.
City officials praise the project
Mayor Scott highlighted the park’s inclusive design: “Today we celebrated the grand opening of more than five acres of accessible space for our residents to run, walk, bike, skate, play sports, enjoy live music, and enjoy one of the best views of Downtown. From pickleball and volleyball courts to walking paths and the new kayak launch, there’s something for everybody.”
Dr. Reginald Moore, director of Recreation and Parks, added, “Rash Field Park is an example of what is possible when we bring vision, partnership and a commitment to creating more opportunities for people to enjoy our city’s public spaces.” He emphasized the department’s dedication to maintaining the park for years to come.
Community events kick off the opening
The grand opening featured free activities throughout the day, including pickleball matches, beach volleyball games, fitness classes and nature‑focused programs. An evening bird walk took place Wednesday, followed by a “Baltimore by Baltimore Unplugged” concert on Thursday, with additional events scheduled for the weekend.
The park’s first phase, opened in 2021, introduced Jake’s Skate Park—named in memory of Jake Owen, a five‑year‑old South Baltimore boy who was killed by a distracted driver in 2011—along with the BGE Pavilion and BGE Nature Play area.
With its expanded amenities, Rash Field Park now serves as a vibrant gathering place for families, athletes, and visitors, reinforcing Baltimore’s commitment to safe, family‑friendly public spaces that honor the city’s waterfront heritage.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
