By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Journalist
[email protected]
Baltimore County officials gathered on August 7 to celebrate the grand opening of the new Middle River Recreation Activity Center (RAC). The 15,000-square-foot facility houses a fully equipped gymnasium, outdoor multi-purpose court, meeting and activity rooms, a stage and movie screens.
The Middle River RAC is the first of a series of new parks and recreation centers opening in Baltimore County this year.
“We are here because we know every community deserves fun, safe, high-quality recreational opportunities that allow our residents to play, compete and connect with one another,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We know that recreational facilities are playing fields and community gathering places that make our neighborhoods happier and healthier.”
Under Olszewski’s administration, Baltimore County invested $220 million over six years in new parks, park acquisitions and expansions, facility upgrades, and recreational programming.
Next year, the county will have nine new RACs completed. In addition to the Middle River facility, the new Hazelwood Skate Park and a new Sparrows Point Park will open in eastern Baltimore County.
“This RAC is another important step in our commitment to providing the most comprehensive recreation, arts, health and wellness programs to the residents of each community, in addition to offering the more traditional sports and extracurricular programs for our children,” Olszewski said.
The development of the Middle River RAC was funded by a $500,000 grant from the State of Maryland, $1.725 million from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Project Open Space, and $8 million from Baltimore County.
In addition to the center’s amenities, it features an aeronautical theme inspired by Baltimore County’s aviation history. Martin State Airport, which began as an aircraft manufacturer in 1929, is just over three miles away.
“It’s important to note that this center is a stone’s throw from neighborhood streets like Compass Road and Fuselage Avenue, all of which speaks to the history and importance of aviation history in this Eastside community,” said Bob Smith, director of the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. “Also important is the center’s location on Community Drive, which suggests it will be a focal point for this community in the future.”
