ESSEX, MD—Baltimore County officials celebrated the opening of a new $1 million accessible trail at Rocky Point Park on Wednesday, a project designed to enhance recreational access for all residents and visitors to the scenic waterfront park.
County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, joined by the Department of Recreation and Parks and community leaders, officially unveiled the new pathway. The project, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), replaces a deteriorating path that lacked accessibility, significantly improving usability and safety.
“Parks are for everyone, and I am thrilled that visitors of all different abilities are now able to access this beautiful park and enjoy one of the best waterfront views in Baltimore County,” Klausmeier said. “Thanks to our federal partners for supporting this important project, which I know will attract visitors from all over the region.”
The new trail and its amenities highlight the county’s focus on inclusive, sustainable and environmentally friendly recreation. Key features include sidewalks and walkways made from porous, flexible paving materials of recycled automobile tire rubber and stone, and reinforced concrete boardwalk planks.
The project also includes a new 30-foot by 50-foot pavilion with a grill, accessible parking, and native plantings such as 10 canopy trees, four understory trees and 10 shrubs. Bench tops are made from recycled plastics.
“Baltimore County is focused on making recreation accessible for all people,” said Bob Smith, director of Recreation and Parks. “Our work to reimagining recreation and parks includes providing facilities and programs that are high quality, diverse and accessible.”
The new trail complements a newly installed playground, one of 60 playground replacements completed by Baltimore County since 2022. Rocky Point Park is also home to the historic Ballestone-Stansbury House, a popular beach, boating facilities, a fishing pier, picnic areas, a sailing center, pavilions and a bathhouse. This trail is one of nearly two dozen recreation and trail projects currently underway countywide aimed at expanding accessibility.
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