EDGEWOOD, MD—A new military-themed park in Edgewood has been named in honor of Mildred C. Kelly, a trailblazing U.S. Army command sergeant major who broke racial and gender barriers during her service.
The 5.5-acre Mildred C. Kelly Park, located along Nuttal Avenue, was dedicated Tuesday, July 8, at a ceremony attended by Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, community members and representatives from Harford County Parks and Recreation.
Kelly made history in 1972 as the first African American woman to achieve the rank of sergeant major in the U.S. Army. Two years later, in 1974, she was promoted to Command Sergeant Major at Aberdeen Proving Ground, becoming the first female command sergeant major of an Army installation and the highest-ranking African American enlisted woman in the Army at the time. She was one of only four female Command Sergeants Major in the entire Army.
“As an Army veteran and son of a former command sergeant major, I’m proud to recognize the legacy of Command Sergeant Major Mildred C. Kelly by naming this park in her honor,” County Executive Cassilly said. “It’s fitting that this site, once home to military families, will now carry her name and her story as the park continues to serve the community.”
The park, formerly the site of military housing for Aberdeen Proving Ground, features military-themed playground equipment, a walking path, a large gazebo and on-street parking with handicapped-accessible spaces.
Funding for the project came from a combination of Harford County funds and grants from the Department of Natural Resources’ Program Open Space-Community Parks and Playgrounds, Community Development Block Grant, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Photo: Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly is joined by community members, representatives from Harford County Parks and Recreation, and other organizations to help cut the ribbon during the dedication ceremony for the new Mildred Kelly Park in Edgewood on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
