Friends of Gwynns falls leakin park |
building the future of Gwynns Falls-Leakin State Park |
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Topic Areas
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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.
Thank you!!