Roland Park Community Foundation Secures Future of Hillside Park with $9 Million Purchase
The Roland Park Community Foundation's acquisition of Hillside Park for $9 million ensures the creation of Baltimore's first new large-scale park since 1860, offering a public amenity without burdening the city's budget.
The Roland Park Community Foundation has finalized the $9 million purchase of Hillside Park, a 20-acre tract previously owned by the Baltimore Country Club, marking a significant milestone in a 25-year effort to provide Baltimore with its first new large-scale park since Patterson Park was established in 1860. The park, located along Falls Road opposite Poly and Western high schools, will be immediately accessible to the public from dawn to dusk, adhering to city park standards, while being maintained by the private non-profit to avoid financial strain on the city.
This acquisition not only preserves a vital green space for community enjoyment but also represents a unique model of urban park management through private ownership. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for October 10 to celebrate the opening of Hillside Park, which stands as a testament to the community's dedication to enhancing public amenities. For more information, the foundation has launched a website at https://www.hillsideparkmd.org to engage the public and garner support for the park's future.