Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Mfume Announce $2.8 Million to Support Baltimore City Parks and Trails

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) announced $2,875,000 in federal funding to expand access to parks and trails in Baltimore City. Baltimore City will receive $1,500,000 to build an ADA-accessible shared-use shoreline trail and picnic overlook in Reedbird Park in South Baltimore. The trail will connect residents to the adjacent Middle Branch Park and at the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center. The City is also receiving $1,375,000 to create a contiguous park in East Baltimore from Johnston Square to Broadway East along Hoffman and Ellsworth Streets.

"Access to public parks and trails makes our communities stronger and healthier. Through the Great American Outdoors Act, we are continuing to invest in our local parks, connect neighborhoods, and provide more opportunities for Baltimoreans to enjoy all the City has to offer," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Investing in accessibility, recreation, and beauty in Baltimore City makes our entire state stronger. I am proud to join Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Mfume in announcing over $2.8 million in federal funding focused on expanding access to parks and trails. I am fighting in Congress to make sure Maryland families have recreation spaces everyone can enjoy," said Senator Alsobrooks.

"Every resident of Baltimore City, deserves access to parks, trails, and other green spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive," said Congressman Mfume. "These federal funds will make it even more possible for children to play, organizations to gather, and residents to enjoy the great outdoors in South and East Baltimore."

"We want all Baltimoreans to have access to safe, beautiful outdoor spaces-especially in areas like South Baltimore, which have suffered from disinvestment for decades," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Together, we're making sure these residents are among the first to benefit from projects like this one, which expands accessibility in Reedbird Park. I'm grateful to our federal delegation for their work to secure funding for this initiative, and their continued advocacy on behalf of the City of Baltimore."

These investments come from the U.S. Department of Interior's Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which is permanently funded at $900 million annually. The LWCF's permanent funding was authorized by Great American Outdoors Act, which Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Mfume fought to pass in 2020.