Description

Park receives much needed makeover; site of National Historic District saved
Baltimore Mayor Rawlings-Blake joins County Executive to cut the ribbon

Baltimore, MD -- Today, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz officially re-opened Robert E. Lee Park located at Lake Avenue and Falls Road, two years after the County acquired the park from Baltimore City.
The County renovated a large portion of the 415-acre park through two separate projects: the $1.1 million concrete slab bridge which spans 115 feet over Jones Falls and a collection of improvements and additions to the park itself including a 2000-foot long paved foot path, a 1400-foot long boardwalk which runs from the light rail station to the site of a future rangers' station, and the Paw Point Park
, a 1.5-acre chained compound for dog walking.
"Although declared a National Historic District in the 1990s, the park unfortunately fell into disrepair," stated Kamenetz. "Like so many good things that happen in our region, its revival began with a group of concerned citizens. Aided by the Ruxton-Riderwood-Lake Roland Area Improvement Association, a partnership among the County, the City, and the State developed to revive this local treasure."
Robert E. Lee Memorial Park was part of an 18th century land grant from Lord Baltimore to sev¬eral Maryland families. Lake Roland, now the center¬piece of the park, was formed later, in the 1850s, as a reservoir for the City of Baltimore. In 1992, most of
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Robert E. Lee Park
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the park was declared a National Historic District -- the Lake Roland Historic District -- in recognition of its historic elements.
"For decades, Robert E. Lee Park has been a hidden treasure for city and county residents alike," said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. "Now, thanks to a dynamic partnership between the city, county, and state, the Park can provide better recreation and relaxation options for citizens."
Councilman John Olszewski, Sr., Chairman of the Baltimore County Council said, "I am delighted that Baltimore County has acquired and renovated the historic Robert E. Lee Park. Now we will have the best of both worlds, a place for the public to enjoy walking paths and dog owners will have their own section for walking their pets. Most importantly, a National Historic District has been saved."
Funding for the renovation and construction at the park came from the State of Maryland ($3 million) and from Baltimore County ($3.1 million). As of today, $3,777,231 has been spent; the remaining funding will be spent on future renovations and upkeep.