Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park is on the verge of becoming Baltimore's first state park. Here's how you can help make it happen.

Where Things Stand

In February 2026, a delegation of Baltimore residents, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and elected officials traveled to Annapolis to testify before the Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB959 — the bill that would establish Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park as Maryland's first urban state park.

The committee heard powerful testimony. Delegate Malcolm Ruff, Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz, Baltimore City's director of government relations, and community advocates from across West Baltimore all spoke in favor of the bill.

Now HB959 needs to move. And that requires public pressure.

Why This Matters

"The park was our second home. My son was diagnosed on the spectrum, and one of the things his doctor mentioned was how much green space can help regulate him. I don't believe my son is unique in that area. More children like him need access to this park."

— Erica Lewis, President, Friends of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park

"We return not just with a request, but with evidence of meaningful community engagement and broad public support. The community has stated loud and clear that they want a partnership park." — Gale Fletcher, Hunting Ridge Community Association, Stakeholder Advisory Committee

"For every dollar invested in state parks, $29.27 comes back. This is an investment that will be fruitful and productive for the state and for the local community."

— Jasmine Brown, Executive Director, Hope Harbor Community Development Corporation

What Passing Maryland HB959 Would Mean

If HB959 passes, Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park becomes Baltimore's first state park — a partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks that would deliver:

• Dedicated park rangers and maintenance staff
• A funded, community-informed master plan for long-term improvements
• Restored trails, historic sites, signage, and facilities
• Expanded programming for youth, families, and neighboring communities
• Economic investment in the 18 neighborhoods that surround the park
• A regional outdoor destination accessible to all Marylanders

Baltimore is one of only two jurisdictions in Maryland without a state park. HB959 fixes that.

On February 25, 2026, advocates filled a Maryland House committee room to make the case. They represented habitat science, watershed conservation, outdoor education, community development, and the neighborhoods that border the park every day.

Organizations that testified in support of HB959:

• Friends of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• Baltimore City Mayor's Office
• Audubon Mid-Atlantic
• Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School
• Hope Harbor Community Development Corporation
• Forest Park Action Council
• Hunting Ridge Community Association