Officials break ground in Windsor Mill on huge Rockdale Park upgrades

Rockdale Park in Windsor Mill is set to get some upgrades that include more recreation options, better accessibility, fixing drainage issues, and improving connections between the park and the community around it. Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and the Department of Recreation and Parks on Friday announced the county is breaking ground on the first part of this multi-phase, multi-million-dollar project. This phase will add three accessible pickleball courts, an accessible basketball court, and an accessible walkway that connects the park’s amenities to the surrounding neighborhoods. The first phase will also improve the drainage to fix ponding in the community garden and include planting shade trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials. There will be new benches, walkways, bike racks, a drinking fountain, and new bins for trash and recycling. “Rockdale Park is a resource in the Milford Mill community and those in western Baltimore County,” Klausmeier said. “These improvements will strengthen connections between neighbors and make this park more accessible for everyone.” Some existing park features will be preserved, including the pavilion, playground, and community garden. The current ball field will be replaced with new basketball and pickleball courts. Recreation and Parks sought community input on the project in Summer 2024. “Parks are community hubs and an essential part of what makes Baltimore County a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Bryan Sheppard, acting director of Recreation and Parks. “Over the next year, you’ll see a transformation that will bring some of the most-requested amenities in Baltimore County to Rockdale Park.” Future phases of the project include three more accessible pickleball courts, a new and expanded parking area, shade structures, a new park entrance sign, gate, and fence. The park will also see improvements to the entry drive, pedestrian crossing to the Mayfield community, and an asphalt path and wood chip trails. The first phase will cost $3 million and is funded through a grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure program. Construction is estimated to be complete in 2027. Baltimore County residents are still invited to share ideas and feedback to shape future investments in their parks, facilities, and recreation programs. There is a survey they can complete on Recreation and Parks section of the Baltimore County Government website. Links found in article: - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Baltimore-County-Dept-Rec-Parks-Public-Survey - https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation/policies/land-preservation