Baltimore County is planning to transform a 22-acre site in Perry Hall into a “passive park” called HoneyGo Glen. Officials will seek public input before finalizing plans.
The site is at the intersection of Gerst Road and Forge Haven Drive. The county partnered with the White Marsh Recreation Council to purchase the land required to create the site. It contains open fields and trees and a concrete pad. Based on input the community has already provided, officials have determined the site will become a passive park. In a video posted to social media, County Councilman David Marks (District 5) estimated construction would begin in two years.
A passive park is generally undeveloped and focuses on the natural landscape. There is minimal human intervention, except for maintenance needed by the local parks department to promote the public’s health, preserve wildlife, and protect the environment. There might be walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife observation points, but no motorized vehicle access. Visitors could enjoy nature while minimizing impact on the environment.
In contrast to active recreation areas, passive parks usually have no organized activities, nor fields and courts designed for sports teams and physical activities. (HoneyGo Glen’s design does include courts for pickleball and tennis.) Passive parks are not as strict, however, as conservation areas, which have stronger regulations around protecting natural resources and wildlife.
Marks announced on Facebook that a new concept plan has been published for the HoneyGo Glen site, reflecting feedback from more than 600 residents, around 77 percent of whom live in Perry Hall or White Marsh. Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks will have an in-person community input meeting in August, though the date and time has not yet been determined.
