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Rec & Parks outlines playbook-driven capital push and four new pools opening this summer
Summary
Director Moore presented the agency's draft Baltimore City Playbook and described large capital investments, including four new pools opening in 2025 and additional recreation facilities scheduled for 2026; agency described $100 million in active capital projects and community-centered planning.
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks presented a draft long-range strategy and a slate of capital projects to the City Council Budget and Appropriations Committee, emphasizing equity, community engagement and new facilities opening this summer.
Lede: Director Moore told the committee the agency has shifted from reactive fixes to a “comprehensive community-centered approach” and said the draft Baltimore City Playbook will guide how the agency "plan[s], invest[s] and deliver[s] services across our recreation and park system." Moore said capital investments this year include three newly opened pools (Walter B. Carter, Coldstream and Towanda) and a fourth, the Greater Mile Aquatics facility, expected to open in 2026.
Why it matters: council members underscored community access and the agency tied capital work to program and staffing investments; the agency reported “over $100,000,000 in active capital projects” supported by city, state, federal and private partners.
Key program and facility details: Moore said two indoor recreation centers — Gardenville Recreation Center and the Logansport/Logic Commons Recreation Center legacy project in Southwest Baltimore — are on track for 2026 openings and three renovated centers (Mary Rodman, Parkview and Chick Webb) will reopen. The agency also plans an online public tool by June 30, 2026 to map and manage outdoor assets and pledged to produce public-facing investment plans for the 20 highest-need sites.
Aquatics operations and security: Moore confirmed a change this season from seven-day to six-day pool operations as a preventative maintenance measure, which she said yields roughly $230,000 in savings. The FY26 operating budget includes an additional $107,000 for security at pool locations. Moore and council members discussed fencing, pool security and national trends in unauthorized pool entry.
Ending: The agency asked the council to continue engagement as the playbook is finalized; Deputy Mayor J. D. Merrill said the administration will align the playbook’s release with publication of a 10-year financial plan expected later this summer or early fall.
