Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the purchase of a 22.3-acre parcel of land at the northeast corner of Gerst Road and New Gerst Lane in the eastern Perry Hall area, through Maryland’s Program Open Space (POS).
The site was purchased for $3.07 million and is the latest effort under the Olszewski administration to expand park and recreation opportunities throughout Baltimore County.
“Preserving open space in Baltimore County is a vital way to support a high quality of life for residents of all ages,” Olszewski said. “Our administration’s latest acquisition ensures we are creating another vibrant space for the Perry Hall community to enjoy for years to come.”
“Acquisitions such as these not only preserve precious parkland, but provide opportunities for everyone to play where they live and work right now,” said Recreation and Parks Director Roslyn Johnson. “COVID has reinforced how important the outdoors is for both physical and mental health, and we are happy that this site will provide even more green space for Baltimore County.”
“Acquiring this property means this 22-acre site in eastern Perry Hall will be permanently preserved for open space,” Councilman David Marks said. “The County Executive became personally involved in negotiations last year, a role that helped finalize this sale, and I thank the Olszewski Administration for their support.”
This latest acquisition will add significant acreage to the County’s existing network of parks within the densely populated Honeygo Growth Area.
ABOUT PROGRAM OPEN SPACE
Established under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space provides financial and technical assistance to local jurisdictions for the planning, acquisition and development of recreation land or open space areas.
Since 1970, the County has utilized nearly $135 million in POS funding to assist in the acquisition of more than 6,800 acres of parkland, and for the construction, enhancement and renovations of recreational facilities at parks and public school recreation centers. The parkland acquisition program has allowed for the preservation of thousands of acres of woodlands, stream valleys and other sensitive lands.
With the support of POS funding, Baltimore County has secured or expanded a wide range of public parks and recreation sites including Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center, Cromwell Valley Park, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, seven regional parks and athletic facilities, and dozens of neighborhood and community parks.
