Baltimore County recently debuted its newest recreation activity center in Middle River in a special ceremony that attracted county leaders, community members and stakeholders.
The unique aeronautics-themed community center, located at 9700 Community Drive, will offer recreational opportunities for all ages.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski joined county recreation and parks leaders, and additional state and local officials to celebrate the opening of Middle River Recreation Activity Center (RAC) on Aug. 7.
The 15,000 square-foot facility, located alongside Glenmar Elementary School and in close proximity to Martin State Airport’s Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, will also prioritize social and wellness opportunities for residents across all ages and feature flight-and-aeronautics-themed programming, county officials said.
“Every community deserves safe, fun, and high-quality recreational opportunities that encourage our residents to play, compete, and connect with each other,” Olszewski said.
“The new Middle River RAC will be a community hub that celebrates the area’s rich history and cultural pride with activities and opportunities to engage residents of all ages.”
The $11.8 million facility was supported by $500,000 state grant, $1 million in federal ARPA funding, $1.725 million from Project Open Space and $8.8 million from Baltimore County.
The Middle River RAC features an variety of indoor recreation facilities and spaces, including:
A spacious double gym with a retractable wall and basketball hoopsStage, movie screen and sound systemSix activity and multipurpose rooms that support a wide range of programs and activitiesA newly renovated exterior multipurpose court
“The Middle River RAC Center will be a game changer for these neighborhoods, creating a community center with activities for all ages, but especially for kids who need productive programs,” said District 6 County Councilman Mike Ertel, whose jurisdiction covers part of Middle River.
District 5 Councilman David Marks, one of the most outspoken advocates for Middle River and its residents, lauded the opening of the new community center.
“This center will be an anchor for recreation programs and community uses in an area where we are working to strengthen neighborhoods,” Marks said. “The theme is also a salute to the aviation history which made Middle River such an important part of our nation’s history.”
The Middle River RAC is the first center since officials began the county-wide rebranding of nine former Police Athletic League (PAL) centers as Recreation Activity Centers, which now offer expanded programming options.
The nearby Rosedale RAC, which features an esports theme, is expected to open this fall alongside McCormick Elementary School, according to county officials.
“I was happy to attend the Ribbon Cutting for the new Middle River Recreation Activity Center,” Del. Carl Jackson said.
“I am so happy to support the building of these RAC’s and am thrilled that this one is officially open! Thank You Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr. and all of my colleagues on the state and local level who worked so hard to help make this a reality.”
Under the RAC model, Baltimore County’s centers — in addition to athletic and after-school programming — provide expansive recreational, art, health and wellness offerings, including for residents of all ages and younger children who were traditionally limited from previous PAL programming.
Adults are required to accompany children under the age of 6.
Middle River’s new facility joins Baltimore County’s existing RAC sites at Cockeysville, Dundalk, Hillendale, Lansdowne, Mars Estates, Scotts Branch, Shady Spring, Winfield, Woodmoor and the soon-to-open Rosedale facility.
“This new Middle River RAC represents our commitment to creating not just functional recreation spaces but inviting and engaging ones that will serve the community,” BCRP Director Bob Smith said.
“Our goal is for our new facilities to be exciting destinations for our communities, reflect the neighborhood they are in and provide a new level of programming and activities for residents. We want to thank County Executive Olszewski and our local, state and federal partners for their investment in our communities and their support in moving this project forward.”
Local News
