News Summary
Dundalk has officially opened a new $1 million fishing pier at Fleming Park in Turner Station, enhancing the community waterfront with improved access. County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced the project’s completion, which aims to provide a family-friendly environment for fishing and enjoying scenic views of Bear Creek and the Patapsco River. The pier replaces an unsafe loading dock, thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Local residents have already begun using the pier, catching fish and crabs, while future renovations for the community park are also being planned.
Dundalk has celebrated the opening of a $1 million improved fishing pier at Fleming Park in Turner Station, marking a significant enhancement to this cherished local waterfront. The announcement of the project was made by County Executive Kathy Klausmeier alongside the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks.
The newly constructed fishing pier aims to transform the area into a more accessible and family-friendly environment, allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the scenic views along Bear Creek and the Patapsco River. This development underscores Turner Station’s importance as a vital historical site, with a call for continued investment in local amenities such as the Fleming Community Center and Park.
The improvement project included the complete replacement of the old fishing pier, which was previously a loading dock that had been deemed unsafe for public use. The new structure also features an accessible walking path leading from the parking lot, making it easier for individuals and families to access the waterfront.
Funding for the project was secured through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which contributed $600,000, along with $400,000 from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Local Parks and Playground Infrastructure program.
Local residents have expressed enthusiasm for the new fishing pier, with reports of some already catching fish such as catfish and crabs in the region. The ribbon-cutting ceremony that opened the pier was attended by several local leaders, including County Executive Klausmeier and Delegate Ric Metzgar, and served as a celebration of community spirit with a gathering featuring representatives from the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks.
Bob Smith, the director of Recreation and Parks, remarked on the social and community benefits that the new structure offers, noting its role in enhancing community bonds and creating shared memories by the waterfront.
Fleming Park itself spans 20 acres and provides various recreational options, including athletic fields, ball diamonds, multipurpose courts, a pavilion, picnic areas, and a playground. To further support community engagement, the Department of Recreation and Parks is currently offering fall season programs, with details available in an online program guide.
Future plans are already in place for renovations to the playground at Turner Station Park, scheduled for next year. Community input is being sought through a public survey available on the department’s website, ensuring that local voices are considered in the development process.
The new fishing pier is part of a broader effort by Baltimore County to upgrade public spaces, which has included the introduction of accessible walking paths at Rocky Point Park and the recent opening of Sparrows Point Park.
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Additional Resources
- Nottingham MD
- Wikipedia: Fishing
- Dundalk Eagle
- Google Search: Turner Station
- Avenue News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baltimore
- WMAR2 News
- Google News: Fishing Pier
- Patch
- Google Scholar: Public Spaces Development
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