BALTIMORE, MD. (Monday, July 10, 2023) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, City officials, and Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) held a groundbreaking event and announced plans to renovate East Baltimore's Ambrose Kennedy Pool at Henrietta Lacks Educational Park. Renovations are part of the City's Rec Rollout and the continued transformation of the park.

"We are committed to equity and inclusivity across all neighborhoods in the City of Baltimore. Our vision is to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality recreational spaces to enjoy within proximity of their homes," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Upgrading this facility is a great example of how we are revitalizing communities while ushering in a new era in recreation that benefits the well-being of our residents."

Improvements to the swim area include a new pool, ADA lift, pool deck, waterslide, mechanical equipment, and waterline. This project is funded through City and State bonds and is an investment of more than $2 million.

"We're thrilled to continue advancing our Rec Rollout. These projects allow us to honor our pledge to provide top-notch recreation opportunities in our neighborhoods," said Baltimore City Parks and Recreation Executive Director Reginald Moore. "We look forward to announcing additional upgrades to our recreational facilities."

Henrietta Lacks Educational Park is a 1.75-acre park featuring updated basketball courts and bathrooms, along with new green spaces and walking paths. Originally dedicated in 1951, the City kicked off the first phase of renovations to the park in 2018.

The park's new pool is expected to open for the 2024 swim season. This summer, residents can utilize the park's splash pad. "We are very excited to learn that a brand-new pool is coming to Johnston Square and that we have been assured that our youth will have access to the splash pad all summer this season," said Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Executive Director Regina Hammond. "We stand ready to work together with our partners at the City of Baltimore to fulfill the needs of our communities and our youth in the future."

BCRP's Rec Rollout includes a series of playground ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreation center and pool projects. The City is slated to announce upgrades at Parkview Recreation Center and Myers Pavilion in the coming weeks.

For event registration, and to stay up-to-date with these events and more, visit https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/recreation, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Recnparks.

About Baltimore City Recreation & Parks

Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) is Baltimore's leading provider of affordable, year-round recreational activities. BCRP builds a stronger Baltimore one community at a time through conservation, well-being, and social equity. BCRP manages and maintains 263 parks, 51 recreation centers, 25 miles of biking and hiking trails, and approximately 4,700 acres of parkland. To learn more about our programs and services, visit http://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/.