| Friends of Gwynns falls leakin park |
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Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park: A City–State Partnership for the FutureUpdated October 2026 The Partnership Initiative Moves ForwardThe effort to establish Baltimore’s first city–state partnership park at Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park is moving forward. At its September 14 legislative agenda planning session, Maryland’s District 41 delegation reaffirmed its support and announced plans to champion the partnership again during the 2027 General Assembly session.
The announcement builds on progress made earlier this year, when Maryland committed $4.28 million toward master planning and capital improvements for the park. |
What Is a City–State Partnership Park?Under Maryland law, a partnership park is a unit of the state park system managed by DNR in partnership with a local government, bicounty agency, or nonprofit organization. For Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, the proposed model would bring together DNR and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks to jointly manage designated areas of the park. This is a partnership, not a state takeover. Baltimore City would retain ownership while the state would contribute additional resources and expertise. With the dedication of Wetipquin Creek State Park in July 2026, every Maryland county now has a state park. Baltimore City doesn't have one. |
What Could the Partnership Mean for Baltimore?More Resources. Better Access. New Opportunities.A city–state partnership could strengthen the care of nearly 1,000 acres of urban wilderness while creating more opportunities for Baltimore residents to enjoy and benefit from the park. Potential improvements include better-maintained trails and facilities, dedicated park staff, stronger protection for forests and waterways, expanded outdoor education and recreation, and more welcoming connections to surrounding neighborhoods. For communities that have historically experienced limited investment in public spaces, the partnership offers an opportunity to make this extraordinary natural resource more accessible and better cared for.
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$4.28 Million for the Park’s FutureAlthough legislation formally establishing the partnership did not pass in 2026, Maryland committed $4.28 million toward planning and capital improvements. $280,000 — Comprehensive Master PlanTo guide decisions about conservation, recreation, historic preservation, public access, facilities, and long-term management.$2 Million — FY2027 Capital InvestmentState capital funding toward a future visitor center and related park improvements. $2 Million — FY2028 Capital Funding CommitmentAdditional funding identified for the proposed visitor center and park improvements. The funding is directed to government agencies for park planning and improvements. FOGFLP does not receive any portion of the $4.28 million. |
Planning for the Park’s FutureThe Master Plan will help shape decisions about the park’s future, including improvements to trails, amenities, neighborhood connections, historic resources, and potential visitor facilities.
Community participation will be essentialMore than 500 residents contributed to earlier discussions about the park’s future, identifying priorities such as dedicated staff, well-maintained trails, improved amenities, and more opportunities to experience the park’s natural and cultural resources. FOGFLP will continue advocating for meaningful community participation so that the planning process reflects the needs of surrounding neighborhoods. |
How We Got Here2024 — Laying the FoundationMaryland enacted legislation directing DNR and Baltimore City to study a potential partnership park.2025 — Community VoicesMore than 500 residents participated in discussions that helped identify priorities for the park.April 2026 — A Major InvestmentMaryland committed $4.28 million toward master planning and capital improvements, although the partnership legislation did not pass. September 2026 — Renewed CommitmentThe District 41 delegation announced plans to champion the initiative again in 2027. |
A Community-Wide EffortThe progress toward a city–state partnership park reflects years of work by residents, neighborhood organizations, conservation groups, elected officials, and government partners, and generous donors who believe in the park’s future. FOGFLP recognizes Delegate Malcolm Ruff and the District 41 legislative delegation for their continued work on the initiative, along with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks. Community and conservation partners include Audubon Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School, Blue Water Baltimore, National Aquarium, Sierra Club Maryland, Hope Harbor Community Development Corporation, Forest Park Action Council, and Hunting Ridge Community Association. And to our donors: thank you. Your generosity sustains the advocacy, stewardship, and community engagement that help move this vision forward. |
Help US Shape the Park’s FutureFOGFLP has helped advance the partnership initiative through advocacy, coalition-building, and community engagement. But our work extends far beyond this effort. Throughout the year, we care for the park, connect neighborhoods with its resources, and bring people together through walks, volunteer projects, educational programs, and community events. As the partnership initiative moves forward, we’ll continue working to ensure that community members have a voice in its future. Stay informed Get updates on the partnership initiative, planning milestones, and opportunities to participate. Volunteer Help care for the park and connect more people with Baltimore’s urban wilderness. Support our work Your donation helps sustain FOGFLP’s independent advocacy, stewardship, and community engagement. Subscribe for Updates Donate Now Volunteer |
On the western edge of Baltimore, right where Interstate 70 terminates.
| Major areas/entrances (links to Google maps)
| Mailing Address: Friends of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park |
Where is the park?