| Friends of Gwynns falls leakin park |
Help Shape the Future of the Park |
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The park needs your input |
Maryland House Bill 1358 (2024) identifies seven areas of priority needs to establish a state park, and calls for getting input from community members and stakeholders who live near the park or do business near the park.
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Topic Areas
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🧠 Join a community focus group |
This is your chance to have a say on how Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park will be improved and managed as a new state park. Everyone is welcome to participate. Insights from focus groups will guide DNR in compiling a report.
Can't make either of those dates work with your schedule? Let us share your input. Come to share your thoughts or ideas on the six topics above – or bring your own topic if you think there’s something missing. |
Some conversation starters about priorities for the park |
The park has many needs, and many stakeholders. These conversation starters are just that. What ideas do they spark for you?
1. Capital improvements The park is badly in need of major capital upgrades. Functioning bathrooms should be installed at Eagle Drive, Winans, Meadow, and Leon Day. The current Trail House could be transformed into a welcoming visitor center, which could include a small gift shop, museum. The park would benefit from well-maintained campgrounds and upgraded parking areas. Gates and benches throughout the park are in need of replacement.
Addressing chronic trash dumping in the park is a top maintenance priority. Damage to and misuse of park resources should be addressed. The park’s playing fields, especially in the Leon Day area, are in poor condition due to frequent flooding. Guard rails on roads throughout the park are in deplorable condition. 3. Natural resource management and restoration, including implementing a forest management study Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Forestry staff, working with Biohabitats, developed a Forest Management Plan that is slowly being implemented. State resources and expertise can assist with the implementation of this plan. Deer overpopulation and invasive plants and trees are huge challenges that the city has begun to address – again, the state has considerable expertise that could be brought to bear. |
4. Historic site restoration The park has many historic sites in need of preservation and management, including Orianda House, Ridge Cemetery, the Waterwheel, and the ruins in and around the Winans Meadow that are not well protected or documented. Public would benefit from access to information about these historic sites, including QR codes for walking tours, online information, etc. 5. Outdoor recreation amenities including trail improvements Trails through the park are in need of upgrades, including clearance of trees and debris, new/improved wooden boardwalks, trail signage, mile markers, and informational placards. 6. Add park staff and procure equipment and supplies To serve the public properly, the park needs dedicated staff, including a full-time superintendent, a team of rangers, maintenance workers, and technical/administrative support. |
Since 1983, we’ve been the park’s volunteer caretakers and protectors. Now we need your help as we demand a state-city partnership to sustain this precious resource for future generations.
- The best way to make FOGFLP’s voice more powerful and our advocacy more effective is to become a member. You can join online at friendsofgwynnsfallsleakinpark.org/join
- You can also support us with a tax-deductible donation at friendsofgwynnsfallsleakinpark.org/Donate
- Curious but not ready to commit? Subscribe to our e-newsletter for free at friendsofgwynnsfallsleakinpark.org/Subscribe
Thank you!!
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?