A multipurpose greenspace in northwest Baltimore has been upgraded with a new playing space on the football field, scoreboard, and playground.
The Fields at Pimlico Park is the new name of the greenspace at Pimlico Safety Academy, formerly Northwest Baltimore Academy, on Northern Parkway.
City and state officials, community members, and representatives from the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Terps Youth Sports program unveiled the updated space on Monday.
The greenspace had previously housed a baseball diamond, football field, and multipurpose space. The Baltimore Terps Youth Sports program and community groups use the space.
Improvements include a “fresh, modern, state-of-the-art, ARPA-funded playground. This playground is one of 23 the City is slated to install by the end of 2024,” reads the press release announcing the new space.
“As a son of Park Heights, it is powerful to see the transformation of this space and to know that it will serve generations of Baltimore’s young people,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott in a statement. “We have made a commitment under my administration, that every Baltimoreans deserves access to world-class recreation facilities and outdoor greenspaces. This field upgrade is a commitment to that promise, and I am immensely proud of how the community and the entire City of Baltimore has come together to help deliver it.”
BCRP’s Rec Rollout is a series of ribbon cuttings and ceremonies spotlighting the investment of Baltimore City and their partners to invest nearly $250,000 in reimagined playspaces. The city’s website explains, “Playgrounds in parks and schoolyards are vital resources for Baltimore youth to strengthen their physical, social, and emotional health. The City prioritizes providing children with safe, accessible places to play in all neighborhoods.”
Upgrades to The Fields at Pimlico Park were boosted by an investment of nearly $900,000 through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Pimlico Community Development Authority (PCDA) resources. The city used PCDA funds to install a brand-new playing surface on the football field, and the Ravens gifted a new scoreboard.
“We’re committed to providing our residents with high-quality, state-of-the-art spaces and services that benefit their overall well-being. This project is another great example of how we’re going neighborhood to neighborhood to ensure that we’re equitably investing in our recreational spaces,” said Reginald Moore, director of Baltimore City Recreation & Parks, in a statement. “The upgrades we’re seeing across the City are possible because our Mayor recognizes the value in investing resources into recreation. Projects like these are great for our communities and help us carry out our mission of improving the health and wellness of our residents.”
Baltimore City will continue to announce upgrades for several recreational spaces throughout 2024.
“Investing ARPA funds into our recreational facilities and parks not only revitalizes these spaces but also fosters a stronger sense of community and promotes healthier lifestyles for our residents,” said Shamiah Kerney, chief recovery officer for the city, in a statement. “By transforming our parks and recreation centers into modern, inviting spaces, we are creating hubs where families can come together, children can play safely, and people of all ages can engage in physical activities.”
Along with the new historic Pimlico, the Park Heights Renaissance is ON!