ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

A Master Plan for Patterson Park in Baltimore, Maryland, January 1998

[photo, Walker with seven dogs, Patterson Park, Baltimore, Maryland]

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION & PARKS

For the people of Baltimore, the Department of Recreation and Parks establishes, maintains, operates, and controls parks, zoos, squares, and athletic and recreational facilities and activities (Code Local Government Article, secs. 1-601 through 1-611; City Charter, Art. VII, secs. 65-69).

Walker with seven dogs, Patterson Park, Baltimore, Maryland, March 2019. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Park amenities include basketball courts; tennis courts; ball, athletic and turf fields; skateparks; and golf courses. Recreation also is provided at special facilities, such as the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory; the Cylburn Arboretum; the Baltimore Rowing and Resource Center; the Patterson Park Boat Lake; the Carrie Murray Nature Center; the Upton Boxing Center; the Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena and Mimi DiPietro Family Skating Center; and the Baltimore and Carroll Park Skatepark.

The Department oversees four bureaus: Fiscal Services, Music, Parks, and Recreation. It is aided by the Board of Recreation and Parks.

BOARD OF RECREATION & PARKS

Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance