State parks bring recreational, educational, and economic benefits to their communities. Baltimore has never had a state park within its borders. But it has the perfect place for one: Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park (GFLP).

Friends of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park is working hard to create a state park in West Baltimore. Baltimore City alone cannot provide what the park needs. Only the state, the city, and volunteer residents, working together in partnership, have the combined resources to maintain and protect our beautiful park for future generations to enjoy.

GFLP is special. Touching 18 neighborhoods and boasting 1,000 acres of forest, streams, trails, and recreation facilities, it is the largest urban forest park east of the Mississippi. 

Our park offers the unique combination of a diverse ecosystem, splendid bicycle and walking trails, historic sites, and activities for all ages. But the park has fallen on hard times due to neglect of its physical infrastructure and the absence of dedicated staff to lead activities, provide security, and perform routine maintenance. As a state-city partnership park, GFLP can truly be the “Green Jewel of West Baltimore” – not just a resource for underserved city communities, but a true regional destination for all of Central Maryland. With your help, we can make it happen.

Gov. Moore signs House Bill 1358 -- a big step toward creating a new state park

As of June 1, 2024, the law has officially taken effect. Read our press release about what this means for our state-city partnership plan and the future of the park.

Why a state-city partnership is right for GFLP!

FOGFLP Executive Director gave a talk at the 2024 Baltimore Herb Fest about the history and future of the park. You can read a transcript of his speech here.

• West Baltimore needs a state park, and a partnership is the right way to do it - February 24, 2024 Baltimore Sun (PDF)
  

Leakin Park has been a Baltimore City park for decades. So why change things now? What will change? And how will we make this happen? We have the answers to your questions about the State-City partnership for Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park.