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Department of Recreation and Parks - Special Facilities
Bring Learning to Life!
Any day can become an adventure and a learning experience with Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks. Throughout the school year, take advantage of BCRP’s environmental based activities as a supplement to educational curriculums.
Whether it’s studying birds or insects at the Carrie Murray Nature Center, learning how plants grow and the different plant species at the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore, or discovering natural environments and how they function on the Gwynns Falls Trail— bring learning to life with Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks!
Special Facilities List
- The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
- Carrie Murray Nature
- Cylburn Arboretum
- Gwynns Falls Trail
- Jones Falls Trail
- Clarence "Du" Burns Arena
- William J. Myers Soccer Pavilion
- Baltimore Rowing and Resource Center
- Patterson Park Boat Lake
- Upton Boxing Facility
- Carroll Park Skateboarding & Bike Facility
- Dominic "Mimi" DiPietro Family Skating Center
- Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena
- Northwest Baltimore Park Golf Course-Driving Range
The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
TOPKate Blom, Conservatory Supervisor
3100 Swan Dr. in Druid Hill Park
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396- 0180
Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Located inside of Druid Hill Park near the intersection of Gwynns Falls Parkway and McCulloh Street, the Conservatory features year-round displays of plant material in five distinct areas of the facility: the 1888 Palm House, the Orchid Room, Mediterranean House, Tropical House and Desert House.
There are 35 flowerbeds in the 1½ acre garden that provide a kaleidoscope of color from early spring until late fall. In addition, three major flower displays are planned during the year, which includes the Spring Flower Show, the Fall Chrysanthemum and the Holiday Poinsettia displays. Annual public events include fall and holiday open houses.
The Conservatory is the perfect venue to rent for weddings, parties, meetings, workshops and other special events. School tours and community groups welcome.
Directions: From the Jones Falls Expressway/I-83 North and South--Take Exit 7/West to Druid Park Lake Drive. At the fifth traffic light (Gwynns Falls Parkway) turn into Druid Hill Park. Make an immediate right after entering the park and the Conservatory will be on your left.
Check out the annual fall/winter displays!
Nov. 8, 2008
Fall Open House
1-4 p.m.
The Fall Open House will be held in conjunction with the Chrysanthemum Show. This event is FREE and open to the public. There will be light refreshments and children’s activities.
Nov. 8-30, 2008
The Chrysanthemum Show
Join Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks for a taste of the Orient during the 2008 Fall Chrysanthemum Show: Asian Roots. Check out over 30 types of mums in a wide range of colors and forms. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Dec. 13, 2008–Jan. 4, 2009
Victorian Poinsettia Celebration
Celebrate the Conservatory’s 120th birthday with an array of colors and varieties of poinsettias and other seasonal decorations. The poinsettia tree in the Orchid Room will become a festive centerpiece and the entire facility will be decked with holly, pine roping and festive bows. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Dec. 14, 2008
Winter Open House
TBD
The Winter Open House will be held in conjunction with the Holiday Display. This event is FREE and open to the public. There will be light refreshments and children’s activities, including a visit from Santa.
Carrie Murray Nature
TOPCorrine Parks, Director
1901 Ridegtop Road
Baltimore, MD 21207
(410) 396-0808
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Explore nature and learn about the thousands of animals and insects native to the Baltimore area. This spectacular facility offers young people the opportunity to explore the great outdoors in a fun and educational environment.
The Carrie Murray Nature Center was established in the late 1980's through a generous donation from former Orioles player and Baseball Hall of Famer, Eddie Murray. The center is named in honor of his mother.
The recently refurbished facility is wheelchair accessible and features the Insect Zoo with hundreds of indigenous and exotic species, a rehabilitation center for permanently injured birds of prey, a large classroom area, and a live display of reptiles and amphibians.
Participate in year-round nature programs and activities such as watershed/stream conservation, recycling, animal and wild bird rescue, bird, insect and tree identification, summer Nature Camp and many others.
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008
Ninth Annual Bug Fest
10 a.m.—4 p.m.
All ages
Enjoy a day of bugs—cockroach races, insect cuisine and displays. Experts from the Maryland Entomological Society, master gardeners, and more will be there to answer questions about things that creep and crawl! Please pre-register. Admission is $6 per person.
Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008
The Annual Haunted Hike: Fright Night on the Gwynns Fall Trail
7—11 p.m.
8+ years
Enjoy the annual Haunted Hike on the Gwynns Falls Trail. Not recommended for the faint of heart. Admission is $10 per person.
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009
Year of the Ox
noon—2 p.m.
All ages
Celebrate the Chinese New Year by making ox hand puppets. Craft supplies will be provided. Admission is $3. Please pre-register.
Cylburn Arboretum
TOPMellissa Grim, Greenhouse Supervisor
4915 Greenspring Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21209
(410) 396-0180
Cylburn Arboretum (grounds): open year-round from 6 a.m.-dusk.
Mansion: open Monday- Friday from 7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
Cylburn Arboretum is a 200-acre public garden and nature preserve. Wander through three miles of spectacular trails that wind through a mature piedmont forest. Enjoy award-winning gardens, including roses, daylilies, dahlias, and annuals.
Take a step back in time with a visit to Cylburn’s Mansion. In the 1860s, George Frederick, the architect of City Hall, designed this Renaissance Revival style home. Constructed of gneiss from the local Bare Hills quarry, the mansion is surrounded by 15 strikingly impressive tree and shrub collections.
The first floor of the mansion is available to rent for meetings, workshops and wedding receptions. The gardens may also be rented for wedding ceremonies and photo shoots. For facility rental information and to downloadable application forms, please follow the links below. For all facility rentals, please call (410) 396-0180.
For more information about tours, workshops and lectures, please click Educational Programs link below. To schedule a tour, workshop or lecture, please call (410) 396-7839.
To visit other public gardens in Maryland, please visit www.marylandgardens.org.
Coming soon to the grounds of Cylburn Arboretum is a new 10,000 square foot Visitor’s Orientation and Education Center. It will feature a green roof, composting toilets and geothermal heating and cooling. The Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland www.hometown.aol.com/fgcofmd/ and the Horticultural Society of Maryland www.mdhorticulture.org are major supporters, and will both relocate their statewide headquarters to the new center.
Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks’ Horticultural Division manages Cylburn in partnership with the Cylburn Arboretum Association. For a calendar of events, to view photos, or for other general information, please visit www.cylburnassociation.org or call (410) 367-2217.
May 2009
Join us for Market Day, the premiere plant sale for Baltimore’s gardeners.
Gwynns Falls Trail
TOPMike Strawbridge, Park Administrator
1920 Eagle Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21207
(410) 396-0440
http://www.gwynnsfallstrail.org
The Gwynns Falls Trail has been extended to the I-70 Park and Ride—a total of 15 miles is NOW complete and open for use!
Come and discover the Gwynns Falls Trail. This unique urban greenway connects 30 neighborhoods in west and southwest Baltimore with parklands that stretch over 15 miles. One of Baltimore's best-kept secrets, this mostly paved trail is great for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, walking, jogging, rollerblading or just relaxing.
The Gwynns Falls Trail begins in Leakin Park and follows the stream to the Middle Branch and the Inner Harbor of the Patapsco River. The greenway is composed of over 2000 acres of publicly owned land within the Gwynns Falls stream valley and includes one of the largest wilderness woodland parks in the Eastern United States: Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park.
Some points of interest near or along the Trail are the Carrie Murray Nature Center, the B&O Railroad Museum, Waterview West wildlife observation boardwalk and deck, the Baltimore Rowing Club, M&T Bank Stadium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Federal Hill Park, and the Inner Harbor Promenade.
Jones Falls Trail
TOP (A member of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network)
Anne Draddy, Trail Manager
Historic Druid Hill Park
(443) 984-4058
Plan your next biking or hiking adventure on the new Jones Falls Trail, which is now 4.25 miles from Penn Station to Clipper Mill. Take a journey through the second phase of the Trail that winds 2.75 miles through historic Druid Hill Park and wraps around the 1.5-mile reservoir loop adjacent to the three fitness stations. Pass the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore, the Maryland Zoo and continue past the Three Sisters Ponds and the 18-hole disc golf course. Enjoy the wooded hills and scenic views of Druid Hill Park and emerge at the Clipper Mill.
Guided biking, walking tours, and the Saturday morning Bike and Brunch events are available upon request. Volunteer to help remove invasive species, plant, weed or pick up litter. For more information, please e-mail bikes@baltimorecity.gov.
2nd Saturday of every month
9 a.m.
The Friends of Druid Hill Park Meeting
(Different locations each month; call (443) 984-4058 for more information.)
Clarence "Du" Burns Arena
TOP(Managed by Hale Properties)
1301 S. Ellwood Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 396-4202
The Clarence “Du” Burns Arena Indoor/Outdoor Sports Complex includes the “Du” Burns Arena, Bonvegna Field, Dypski Park, BAM’s Martial Arts School and the offices of the Baltimore Blast. The “Du” Burns Arena, named after the first African-American Mayor of Baltimore City, opened in 1991 and includes an indoor artificial turf field, 183’ x 85’, with dasher boards, plexiglass and netting. There is seating for six hundred fifty spectators, a concession stand and arena store onsite. The arena is host to numerous sports, leagues, activities and shows. The arena also hosts wedding receptions, parties, dances, etc. in our Banquet Hall. Senator Joseph Bonvegna Field is an enclosed field measuring 110 yards x 70 yards and has bleacher seating. With the support of the “Friends of Bonvegna Field,” an irrigation system has been installed. Special thanks to the Maryland State Soccer Association, Maryland Major Soccer Association, Old Timers Soccer Association of Maryland, Fortview Community Softball Program, CHISCO and the Baltimore Sports & Social Club for making this possible. Adjacent to Bonvegna Field is a fenced-in basketball court. Dypski Park includes our wading pool, playground and pavilion. There are numerous activities for all ages at the “Du” Burns Arena Sports Complex. The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks invites you to be apart of the action!
William J. Myers Soccer Pavilion
TOP Kay Overton
Sports Facility Director
4300 West Bay Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21225
(410) 396-5782
Mondays – Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesdays – Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sundays: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
(Hours of operation subject to change based on league play)
Get a "huge" kick out of soccer! With a host of innovative programming such as the Myers Soccer Tots, Open Play Drop-in games, the Baltimore Blast Soccer Clinics, the Metro, in-house “Just for Fun”, after-school, and co-ed adult leagues. The William J. Myers Soccer Pavilion continues to score big-time for local players and parents.
The Myers Pavilion is named in honor of William J. Myers, a former city-councilman of Baltimore City. The pavilion opened in 1986 and features an indoor artificial turf field, 190”x85” with dasher boards, Plexiglas and netting. There is seating for 500 fans and spectators. Locker rooms, showers and concessions are also available. The Men’s Cup, Co-Ed Cup, the Mayor’s Holiday tournaments are just some of the many special events offered at Myers. So come out and have a ball!
The Myers Pavilion is the perfect venue to rent for parties, meetings, workshops and other special events.
Rental Fees:
$75 an hour May-October (on the field)
$125 an hour November-April (on the field)
$50 an hour (Conference room)
$275 an hour (entire facility)
Fall Session Metro Soccer Leagues
6—11 p.m.
Get a huge kick out of soccer. Teams will play 8 to 10 weeks. League play starts the end of September and continues through November. All championship teams will receive awards at the end of the session. The league is $350 per team.
Open Play Drop-in
Tuesdays and Thursdays
6—9 p.m.
Get a huge kick out of soccer! Drop by Myers to pick-up teams and play for three hours in a not-so-competitive environment. Recommended for ages 14 and over. Admission is $5.
Baltimore Rowing and Resource Center
TOPDarryl Railey, Recreation Program Assistant
3301 Waterview Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 396-3838 or (410) 396-3840
Since 1987, the Baltimore Rowing and Water Resource Center has been a premiere venue for meetings, workshops, special events, wedding receptions, family reunions and birthday parties!
The Baltimore Rowing and Water Resource Center is the centerpiece of 150 acres of parkland in Middle Branch Park, which features fishing piers, boat ramps, picnic areas and wetlands. The center captures the nautical spirit of the Patapsco River and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge (Hanover Street). It also provides a clear view of the downtown skyline that can be viewed from the rear of the facility. A few of the centers' amenities include nautical decor throughout the building, hardwood floors and a fireplace in the main hall. Just 10 minutes south of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and easily accessible to I-95 and BWI Parkway (295), the ambiance and view is spectacular. Come see for yourself!
Patterson Park Boat Lake
TOPMark Burke, Recreation Programmer
Eastern and Milton Avenues
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-396-9392
Email: friends@pattersonpark.com
The Patterson Park Boat Lake was created during grading operations in 1864 when extensive earth-moving work was performed to remove military emplacements and to fill ravines. When Baltimoreans began to spontaneously use the Lake as a skating pond in 1865, the Board of Public Park Commission acknowledged the worthiness of expanding the Lake to accommodate skating as well as boating. This work, completed in 1875, enlarged the Lake to its present size, reduced the depth to approximately three feet, and included a brick retaining wall around the Lake edge, an island, and plantings of trees and shrubs.
Today, the Lake is a combination of open water and a wetland habitat for fish, waterfowl, and songbirds and renovation is underway.
Family Fishing Fun
Thursdays (early fall and spring)
6 p.m.
Enjoy fishing, fun, games, crafts, and prizes. Fish for Backyard Bass! An adult must accompany all children. This is “catch and release” fishing. Bring your own fishing rod or borrow one of ours. Bait will be provided. No fishing license required during this event. Parking available on street outside park. Admission is $1 per person.
Upton Boxing Facility
TOP Garry Jackson
1901 Pennsylvania Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21212
(443) 984-2588
The Boxing Program is wonderful new addition to Upton Boxing Facility’s new programming. Formerly a recreation center, the facility has housed Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks’ Boxing Program for almost six years. Recently renovated, the facility features a boxing ring, punching bags, heavy bags, full-weight and shower rooms.
Boxers participate in local, regional and national championships. In 2006, the quick, hard-punching 11-year-old Gervonta “Tank” Davis showed all the speed and agility of a professional boxer in Independence, Mo. He also proved to be the best in the 65-pound division and in the country bringing home the 2006 & 2008 National Silver Gloves Championship.
While the focus of the program is boxing, a variety of other activities are being offered to Baltimore’s youth. Additional programs include aerobics, kickboxing and modern dance. Children participating in the after-school program between the ages of 5-12 can utilize the facility’s new computer lab and receive tutoring.
Carroll Park Skateboarding & Bike Facility
TOPDon Salamone, Recreation Programmer Assistant
1500 Washington Blvd. - 21230
(410) 396-9177 or (410) 396-7019
Spring Schedule (mid March-mid June)
Mondays and Tuesdays (Closed)
Wednesdays: 4 p.m. - Dusk (Skateboarding)
Thursdays: 4 p.m. - Dusk (Biking)
Fridays: 4 p.m. - Dusk (Skateboarding)
Saturdays: noon- Dusk (Skateboarding)
Sundays: noon- Dusk (Biking)
Summer Schedule (end of June-August)
Mondays and Tuesdays: (Closed)
Wednesdays: 4 – 8 p.m. (Skateboarding)
Thursdays: 4- 8 p.m. (Skateboarding)
Fridays: 4 – 8 p.m. (Skateboarding)
Saturdays: noon- 8 p.m. (Skateboarding)
Sundays: noon – 8 p.m. (Biking)
Enjoy some extreme fun! Test your skills at the Skateboard Park behind the Carroll Park PAL Recreation Center on Bayard Street. Facility users must be at least 7 years old to enter. Helmet, kneepads and elbow pads required.
Admission: $2 per person (daily)
Membership: $15 per year
Dominic "Mimi" DiPietro Family Skating Center
TOPMark Burke, Recreation Programmer
200 S. Linwood Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 396-9392
Public Sessions
Tuesdays: noon-2 p.m.
Fridays: 7- 9 p.m.
Saturdays: 3- 5p.m. and 7- 9 p.m.
Sunday: 3- 5 p.m.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday: noon-2 p.m.
Friday: 7-9 p.m.
Saturday: 3-5 p.m., 7-9 p.m.
Sunday: 3-5 p.m.
Monday: closed
Wednesday: closed
Thursday: closed
The Dominic “Mimi” DiPietro Family Skating Center features public sessions, ice hockey, broomball, ice skating sessions and sled hockey from October until March. Located at Linwood Avenue and Pratt Street, the rink hosts many of Baltimore’s hockey teams as well as seasonal special events.
The rink is full-sized measuring 200 by 85 feet and is equip with a warm-up room, fireplace, concession stand and skate shop, which makes this facility the perfect venue for private parties and group rentals.
General Admission is $4.
Skate rental is $2; Season Passes (10 sessions) are $30.
Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena
TOPRuthie Herman, Program Director
6101 Hillen Road
Baltimore, MD 21239
(443) 984-4075
www.mtpleasanticearena.com
Public Sessions
Mondays: 10 a.m. –noon
Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-noon
Thursday: 10 a.m.-noon
Fridays: 8:30-10:30p.m.
Saturdays: 3-5 p.m. and 8:30-10:30p.m.
Sundays: 3-5p.m.
The Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena is dedicated to promoting lifetime recreation through participation in ice sports. The rink is full-sized measuring 200 x 85 feet and offers public skating sessions, ice hockey, sled hockey and skating lessons. There are also a variety of seasonal special events and activities offered during the holidays.
This facility is the perfect venue for private parties and group rentals. The rink is operational from October to April.
General Admission is $4.
Skate rental is $2; Frequent skater cards (10 sessions) are $30.
October 2008-April 2009
Mondays: 5 p.m.
Saturdays: 1 p.m.
Learn to skate or play Ice Hockey
Classes are available for children and adults. Skate with your kids.
Sunday , Dec. 14,2008
Holiday Ice Show
7 p.m.
Free Holiday Ice Show featuring National Skating Competitors and Local Artists.
Special Extended Holiday Public Sessions
Dec. 26-31,2008
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Day
President’s Day
January –February 2009
Tiny Tots Learn to Skate
Thursdays: 10 a.m.
Ages 3-5
Moms and caregivers skate for FREE.
Northwest Baltimore Park Golf Driving Range
TOPMatt White, operations manager
2101 W. Rogers Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21209
Open To The Public through October!
The Northwest Baltimore Park Golf Course-Driving Range, located just minutes from the Jones Falls Expressway (I-83) and Johns Hopkins University, is open to the public 7 days a week. The Range features well- spaced driving stations, and natural target greens.
Hours of Operation
| April Monday - Friday noon - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
September Monday - Friday noon - 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
May |
October Monday - Friday noon - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
June, July, August |
Frequent Golfer Cards:
$70 - 12 large buckets of balls / $90 12 jumbo buckets of balls
Jumbo Bucket of Balls:
$9 - Approximately 120 balls
Large Bucket of Balls:
$7 - Approximately 75 balls
Small Bucket of Balls:
$5 - Approximately 55 balls
Contacts
Press Releases
Public Notices
- Robert E. Lee Park pedestrian bridge closure
- Robert E. Lee Park pedestrian bridge report
- Swann Park Remediation Plan
- Swann Park Updates
- Swann Park Closing
Park Information
- Partnership for Parks
- Park Conservation & Community Outreach
- Sunday Traffic Patterns for Summer in Druid Hill Park
- Policy for Naming/Renaming Parks & Facilities