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Politics & Government

County Looking To Secure Spring Grove Land for Park

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said he would like to open a new regional park on 8 acres.

Baltimore County is trying to secure a part of Spring Grove Hospital Center to develop a regional park.

Kamenetz said he has begun the process by talking with state officials.

"In December the county was informed that the state was initiating an intergovernmental review of more than 8 acres of property at Spring Grove Hospital Center," Kamenetz said in a statement. "I immediately directed the county's planning department to submit a formal request for the property on behalf of Baltimore County for use as a regional park."

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The press release also said that, on Jan. 7, the county got notice from the state's Assistant Secretary of Planning Linda C. Janey saying there's land on the site along with a building that can be considered surplus. They also recommended "joint uses of the property, by the University System of Maryland and Baltimore County." 

The county will be looking for authorization from the Department of Natural Resources for the use of Open Space funding—from the state—to knock down the Hamilton Building and create the park. 

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"It is far too early to talk abouit the specific scope of the project," Kamenetz said in the statement. "There are significant funding issues to address, and we have not had any discussions with UMBC officials yet regarding shared use of the property. However, I did not want this opportunity to pass, and I look forward to working with the state and community members to move this project forward."

Local politicians were delighted at the fact that there could finally be a regional park coming to this area, something that's been desired for a long time. 

"This is a great first step in the process of securing a regional park for the southwest part of the county," said Baltimore County Council Chairman Tom Quirk, who represents the 1st District. "Bringing a regional park to the Catonsville and Arbutus area has been one of my main priorities. This action on the part of the administration brings this park one step closer to reality."

Del. Adrienne Jones also hailed the news, saying it would improve the lack of recreation space in southwest Baltimore County.

Mike Milani is a longtime member of the Catonsville Recreation Council and local sports advocate. He said building a new regional park would be a dream come true.

"The families of the thousands of boys and girls that participate in our programs will do everything they can to work with County Executive Kamenetz to get this project completed," Milani said in a statement.

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