While Gwynns Falls Park in its current state might be described as a diamond in the rough, it could be a crown jewel for the city — much like New York's Central Park, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek Park.

— Maryland Chapter, Sierra Club

Thanks to donors, we've spent the last few years making the case to lawmakers in Annapolis that this large park — over 1,000 acres — needs more than just city resources. Partnering with the state would provide the funding, staff, and care the park needs for the long run.

Our work is paying off. In April 2026, Maryland committed $4.28 million toward a city-state partnership for Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park. It's a big milestone, but it's just the beginning.

The path is clear. The miles ahead are not.

FOGFLP doesn't receive any of that money. It goes directly to state and city agencies. The funding doesn't guarantee the partnership will be formed. And park details aren't settled yet. Boundaries, structure, community access are all still to be determined.

What your gift funds is our capacity to keep going. We need to stay at the table in Annapolis, work with planners and policymakers, and make sure the communities that live alongside this park have a real voice in what it becomes.