Baltimore Developers to Build New Green Commercial Space – Locals Might Benefit From the New Parks by The End of 2022
Photo by George Bakos on Unsplash
Research from the Danish University of Aarhus has found that exposure to green spaces can reduce the risk of developing numerous health and psychiatric disorders. Green urban spaces have been trending for a few years, but this study is expected to have far-reaching implications for healthier city design.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore County is taking note of this growing trend towards outdoor commercial space creation. The publication revealed in April 2021 that the county is planning to build its first new public park in more than six years to give locals more access to health-promoting green space. The park is destined to be built on a piece of land at Tradepoint Atlantic, an industrial site that was formerly owned by the Bethlehem Steel mill. Baltimore Sun reported that the 15-acre park is planned for along Jones Creek and will be accessible to the towns of Sparrows Point and Edgemere. This park will be the first built by the county after many years of community demands for outdoor athletic space and a community center were voiced.
Investment in Outdoor Spaces Along Jones Creek
Sparrows Point Park has been planned to sit on the edge of a large 3,100-acre campus where Bethlehem Steel’s closure left behind a vast pollution problem. Officials at Tradepoint have said that the pollution cost an estimated $68.7m to clear, so a park would be a welcome addition. Bordered by the Jones Creek and the Route 151 interchange at either side, the park is buffered to the west by Tradepoint’s private short line railroad, along which trains transport lumber, scrap, and other commodities.
Sparrows Point Park comes as evidence of the county’s new commitment to investing in public green spaces and recreation programs. Officials and members of the community are planning to build a 16,000 square foot, solar powered community center at the park, complete with activity rooms and a double court gym. This building is intended to be the county’s pioneering Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-designed building, the US Green Building Council’s top rating for environmentally sustainable new constructions.
The importance of hiring professionals for commercial landscaping and lawn care purposes has also been highlighted by this landmark project. Investing in commercial landscaping services is critical for creating an enjoyable work and leisure environment, improved curb appeal, and increased property value. All of these factors are essential in large scale green space projects to maintain their financial viability and bring in much-needed tax revenues for maintenance. They’re also key to providing health and wellness-supporting green spaces for Baltimore locals to enjoy.
Open Spaces Coming to Port Covington
Over in South Baltimore, state and city officials, community activists and business leaders have announced plans to build outdoor plazas, open green spaces, and groundbreaking vertical constructions in Port Covington in 2021. According to project leaders and officials, the finished project will see 2.5 miles of Patapsco River Middle Branch waterfront being redeveloped. It will boast 18 million square feet of mixed-use developments including residential units, retail and office space, green spaces and parks. Project leaders believe that some parts of the sprawling project could be completed and ready for moving in by late 2022. At this point, Port Covington locals will enjoy access to parks, eateries, open air markets, and other world-class outdoor amenities.