A massive park system is in the works for Harford County based on preliminary plans unveiled by County Executive Bob Cassilly.
The county published plans for the Oakington Peninsula Park System, located on 1,400 acres along the waterfront between Aberdeen and Havre de Grace. It consists of contiguous county-owned parkland at Swan Harbor Farm, Belle Vue Farm, and Eleanor and Millard Tydings Park, the Mullins property, and the Carlson-Feltman Conservation Area.
“The Oakington Peninsula is rich in natural, historical and cultural resources and we look forward to an amazing park system that will become a crown jewel of the mid-Atlantic region,” Cassilly said. “I would like to thank my county departments of parks & recreation, planning & zoning and public works, our community and municipal partners, our rec councils, APG, local historians, nature enthusiasts, & everyone who contributed to this exciting draft.”
Belle Vue Farm was once slated for development, but now it is owned by Harford County government. That means all 1,400 acres on the peninsula can be used for the park system. The Belle Vue purchase was completed in 2020 and involved partnership between Harford Land Trust, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
A map of the preliminary plan for the Oakington park system is on the Harford County website. It shows the potential locations of playgrounds, picnic areas, and event spaces. The map highlights land and water trails that connect to the city of Havre de Grace, along with potential bird watching spots throughout the park system. It shows where a future nature center might be placed, and other historical, agricultural, and conservation demonstration areas.
The public will be involved with the development of the Oakington Peninsula Park System over the next approximately 15 years. Initial phases will included development of the walking trail system throughout the park properties.
