Park OverviewA Brief History The area encompassing Robert E Lee Park was part of an 18th century land grant from Lord Baltimore to several Maryland families. Lake Roland, now the centerpiece of the Park, was formed much later in the 1850s as a reservoir for the City of Baltimore. It was not until the 1940s that the land surrounding the lake was consolidated to form Robert E Lee Park, with its nearly 500 acres of woodland, wetlands, serpentine barrens, rare plants, and rocky plateaus. In 1992 most of the Park was declared a National Historic District – the Lake Roland Historic District – in recognition of its historic elements, old railroad tracks, retaining walls, stone bridges, trestles, and abutments.
Due to efforts by many, but initiated and spear headed by the Ruxton-Riderwood-Lake Roland Area Improvement Association, today the Park is managed by the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. With nearly $6.1 million in grant funding from the State and County, significant improvements to the Park are now underway. The bridge leading into the Park is being replaced; the shoreline along the Peninsula is being strengthened; and a 1-acre off-leash dog park is being built. Also, roadways and trails are being repaired and pedestrian access from the nearby MTA parking lot has been provided. The new Park will open in the Fall of 2011 and, by that time, the Park expects to have rangers, administrative and maintenance staff, seasonal naturalists, and other support personnel in place to help educate Park users and ensure safety and adherence to rules governing Park use. The proposed budget for Park staffing is currently awaiting County approval. Upcoming Park Activities The Park is currently closed while construction and improvements are taking place. However when it reopens this Fall it will be a spot where families can go to canoe, kayak, run, bike, picnic and take their dogs. Memberships will be available and group classes and activities are being planned by the new Nature Council. |
