West Baltimore needs a state park, and a partnership is the right way to do it

State parks are more than just beautiful places; they provide recreational, economic and cultural benefits to their host communities. Baltimore City is one of just two jurisdictions in Maryland without the advantages of a state park. But we can change this, elevating both the city and the region, thanks to a special opportunity under Maryland law. Our legislation, House Bill 1358, establishes an innovative state-city partnership for the support and management of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, Baltimore’s largest park.