The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks manages more than 6,600 acres of land within 190 parks and leased recreation sites throughout the county, and also conducts programs at 160 school-recreation centers. These parks and recreation sites offer a diversity of recreation and leisure time amenities and activities for all ages and interests.

Important parks of Baltimore County include:
Oregon Ridge Park is the largest park site owned and operated by the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. At over 1,000 acres in size, this dynamic park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, from lake swimming, to nature study, to special events including outdoor concerts. A variety of natural areas and recreational improvements are available, including a conference center/lodge, concert shell and area, dinner theater, picnic pavilions, playground, swimming lake and beach house, nature center, interpretive areas and hiking trails. Two recreational entities operate within the park, as follows:

The Oregon Ridge Conference Center and Beach are operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks' Enterprise Section; thus there are use or admissions charges for many events and for the reservation of park facilities. The rustic park lodge serves as a conference center, with rooms which may be rented for meetings, parties, wedding receptions or other special functions. The park office is also situated within the lodge. Designated picnic pavilions and areas may be reserved (fee) for family or company picnics or other outings. The beach, which operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offers lake swimming and a beach house. Numerous special events and concerts are held within the park, including festivals, walk-a-thons and runs, annual "Preakness Celebration" events, and a Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concert series with fireworks. All of the facilities and events, coupled with the beautiful setting, make Oregon Ridge Conference Center and Beach a popular Baltimore County attraction.

The Oregon Ridge Nature Center was created to promote a better appreciation for the environment by offering recreational and educational programs to the public. The Nature Center is run by full-time Naturalists and volunteers who team up to provide such activities as moonlight hikes, bird watching, bee keeping demonstrations, and maple syrup making, to name a few. Special events, including lectures on environmental issues, are offered throughout the year. The Center is open 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Tuesday through Sunday.
For more information, call 410-887-1815 or email rpornature@co.ba.md.us.

Marshy Point Nature Center, located on Dundee and Saltpeter Creeks in eastern Baltimore County, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna within the confines of the 490+ acre site. Boasting both wetland and forest areas, Marshy Point supports a vast array of wildlife and is in particular a bird watchers paradise. The Center is open 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Daily.
For more information, call 410-887-2817, or email rpmarshy@co.ba.md.us.

Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum Encompassing 138 acres and containing extensive nature trails highlighting the contributions of Benjamin Banneker - the first African American man of science. This site includes a Visitors Center, featuring a collection of Banneker's works, community gallery, and gift shop and patio garden.
For information phone 410-887-1081or email bannekermuseum@co.ba.md.us.

Cromwell Valley Park is located less than three miles from the heart of Towson in northeast Baltimore County. This pastoral valley combines three working farms to preserve a mixture of woodlands, pastures, cultivated fields, meadows, historic structures, springs and streams. The park is designed for families and school groups to learn about productive, sustainable agriculture as well as nature programming throughout the year. Program highlights include farm tours by horse drawn hay wagon and a fall harvest festival.

Call the park office for more information at 410-887-2503.

Click here to view a complete list of all parks in Baltimore County.

Contact information:
Robert J. Barrett
Director
410-887-3871
FAX: 410-825-3305
TTY/Deaf 410-887-5319
email: recparks@co.ba.md.us