Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation

Ma & Pa Connector Trail – Segment 3 Construction Update:

Construction of the Ma & Pa Connector Trail – Segment 3 has begun! Our Contractor is currently working on clearing an access area and the future trail path. Sediment and erosion control devices are also being installed, including timber matting for the equipment to ride over without sinking. Pile driving for the bridge and boardwalk supports will be starting soon.

As construction of the Ma & Pa Connector Trail – Segment 3 progresses, the Department of Parks & Recreation will continue to provide updates to the public through our page. This is an active construction site and only authorized personnel are allowed on the site. Please do not trespass. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Harford County Government

Save the date!

August is an excellent time for wildflower peeping in the wetlands! Come hang out with us during our Wonderful Wildflower Kayak and paddle through the channels and catch a glimpse of the beautiful blooms.

Register here; https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMwOTY5NDM=.

Harford County Government

Join us for Bug Bingo, it's just like bingo, but with bugs! Catch a certain type of insect to fill one spot on your bingo card, get 5 spots in a row and you win a prize!

This program will be held on Saturday, August 24 from 1-2 p.m. at Eden Mill Nature Center (1617 Eden Mill Road, Pylesville). For more information and to register, please visit https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMwODg2MTI=.

Harford County Government

Our fall Start Smart programs are open now for registration and are filling up fast! Check out all six programs being offered here; https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog/index/941fb5c941b11db55a0585f2c3646872?filter=c2VhcmNoPSZ0YWdzJTVCNzY1NSU1RD0x.

Harford County Government

Nudge around the endless nooks and crannies of Otter Point Creek and the upper Bush River with an adults only group during Kayak Cruising on the Creek.

Dates vary. For more information and to register, please visit; https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog/index/1432dc9ac9abde5066fed889d7e0e396?filter=c2VhcmNoPWtheWFrJTIwY3J1aXNpbmc=.

Harford County Government

Love gardening? It's not too late to start! During our Homeschool Gardening Class, students will learn all about community gardens, how to maintain a garden, and learn what plants are most successful in the fall time. Then students will plant in their own shared family plot and maintain that plot until November.

Looking for more information? Click here; https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMxOTM3MjI=.

Looking to be active this Fall? Join us for Recess Games, held at the Edgewood Recreation & Community Center (1980 Brookside Drive, Edgewood) on Thursdays from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., starting September 26.

We will play various games such as dodgeball, soccer, kickball, basketball, handball, capture the flag and more! Sign up today; https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMxODQ4ODY

Harford County Government

During Bee Hive Maintenance, held at Eden Mill Nature Center (1617 Eden Mill Road, Pylesville), our beekeepers open up our honey bee hive for maintenance and you can join us! Observe honey bees in action as we pull and show frames from the hive and learn about what the busy bees are doing!

This program is geared for the general public, so sign up today and we will see you there!

https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog/index/1432dc9ac9abde5066fed889d7e0e396?filter=c2VhcmNoPWJlZSUyMA==


Harford County Government

Our Homeschool Soccer League is back this fall! This outdoor league will run Mondays, starting September 9, with game times varying anywhere from 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

For more information and to register, please visit https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMxODUwMzU=.

Harford County Government

Do you love building and creating? Then join us for Building Challenge Series! During this fun and interactive 3 week Building Challenge series, participants will be challenged to build structures using a variety of material, to complete a goal or objective.

Program starts Monday, September 9 and will be held at the Aberdeen Activity Center (7 Franklin Street, Aberdeen) from 1-2 p.m. Visit here for more information; https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMxODQ3NjU=.

Harford County Government

Join our Sports Clinic on Wheels today, August 8, at Robert Copenhaver Park (664 Trimble Road, Joppa) from 9-11 a.m.

Come on out and join us for some soccer fun!

Harford County Government

Ma & Pa Connector Trail – Segment 3 Construction Groundbreaking

Tuesday, August 6th, County Executive Bob Cassilly joined Parks & Recreation, and several of our construction and design partners for the groundbreaking of the Ma & Pa Connector Trail – Segment 3.

Completion of this final segment of the Ma & Pa Trail will bring a 30-year vision to fruition and the entire Ma & Pa Trail will total approximately eight miles from Edgeley Grove Park in Fallston through Bel Air to Friends Park in Forest Hill. This 1.5-mile segment will connect the North Avenue trailhead station to the Melrose Lane trailhead station. This last segment will take approximately 18 months to complete and should be open to the public in early 2026.

Funding for construction of this segment is provided through Harford County government, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Federal Transportation Alternative Program, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources-Program Open Space.

As construction of the Ma & Pa Connector Trail – Segment 3 progresses, the Department of Parks & Recreation will provide updates to the public through our page. Make sure to like this page if you want updates on all things Harford County Department of Parks & Recreation!

Harford County Government

August issue is now out! This month's issue discusses abandoned development plans and public safety updates. These two stories and more, Read it here & subscribe today: https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1664/Harford-Outlook-e-Newsletter

Come out and join us for TR Bingo! Fall sessions are available now for registration, so grab a friend and sign up today!

https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog/index/f0acdc8565f8c917ac2e17894666ed20?filter=c2VhcmNoPWJpbmdvJmNhdGVnb3J5JTVCOTcxNCU1RD0x

Harford County Government

UPDATE: Friends Park bathrooms is now open!

Friends Park bathrooms are currently closed. We apologize for any inconvenience and will update when they are back up and running.

Harford County Government

𝐀𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚 & 𝐏𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟎 𝐚.𝐦. 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠.

On Sunday, August 4th, there will be a Remembrance Walk in honor of Rachel Morin. This walk event will begin at 3pm and is expected to last until approximately 5pm. The event will begin at the Ma & Pa Williams Street trailhead parking lot. It is expected there will be a higher-than-normal volume of people on the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air and traffic in the Howard Park neighborhood.

The Ma & Pa Williams Street trailhead parking lot will be closed starting at 10am on Sunday. Surrounding roads will be closed starting at noon and will remain closed to vehicle traffic until the end of the event. The Ma & Pa Trail will remain open for public use, however, please expect traffic delays and a high number of pedestrians on the trail between Williams Street and the Equestrian Center.

Those intending to attend the event are encouraged to carpool. Parking will be available at the lower Liriodendron parking lot at the end of West Broadway or other public parking spots in the area and attendees can walk to the event.

Harford County Government

Our fall programs are right around the corner, but summer isn't over yet! We've still got plenty of summer programming happening throughout August.

Check out something fun here; https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog/index/431377c392ff6402e3ca9687778dca67?filter=c2VhcmNoPQ==.

Harford County Government

On Sunday, August 4th, there will be a Remembrance Walk in honor of Rachel Morin. This walk event will begin at 3pm and is expected to last until approximately 5pm. The event will begin at the Ma & Pa Williams Street trailhead parking lot. It is expected there will be a higher-than-normal volume of people on the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air and traffic in the Howard Park neighborhood.

The Ma & Pa Williams Street trailhead parking lot will be closed starting at 10am on Sunday. Surrounding roads will be closed starting at noon and will remain closed to vehicle traffic until the end of the event. The Ma & Pa Trail will remain open for public use, however, please expect traffic delays and a high number of pedestrians on the trail between Williams Street and the Equestrian Center.

Those intending to attend the event are encouraged to carpool. Parking will be available at the lower Liriodendron parking lot at the end of West Broadway or other public parking spots in the area and attendees can walk to the event.

Harford County Government

Our Sports on Wheels Clinic is out and about this August, and our first stop is today, August 1 at the Edgewood Recreation & Community Center (1980 Brookside Drive, Edgewood) from 9-11 a.m.

Come on out and visit!

Harford County Government

Fall program registration is open now!

Click here to see what we have to offer: https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog.

Harford County Government

🍂 JUST A REMINDER! 🍁

Our fall program registration opens up tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.! Don't miss out on all your favorite programs! When they go live, you will see them here; https://secure.rec1.com/MD/harford-county-md/catalog/index/431377c392ff6402e3ca9687778dca67?filter=c2VhcmNoPQ==.

Harford County Government

From Paul Magness, Director of Parks & Recreation:

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun at our Parks & Recreation Day at Flying Point Park.

As Parks & Recreation Month comes to a close, I want to take a moment to recognize two groups who are critical to the success of our Department!

First, our staff here at the Department of Parks and Recreation, all of whom contribute in their own ways to our Department and the community. Our Administration staff, our Capital Planning and Development group, our Maintenance Division, our Recreation staff, as well as, our part-time and event staff. Each of you, through your daily effort, make our Department and our Community better! Your contributions to our team effort is appreciated. Keep up the great work! I remain honored to serve as your Director.

Second, our Recreation Council partners, whose programs and impact we highlighted throughout the month of July. The passion you bring to our Harford County community continues to have a positive impact on our fellow County citizens through the hundreds of programs you provide! Our Department will continue to partner and work with you to improve our cooperative efforts throughout our County.

In appreciation of all that these two special groups of individuals provide to our Department and our Community, THANK YOU!

Harford County Government

𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥
North Harford Recreation Council’s main goal is to provide recreation leisure services to their residents. They offer an array of programs for both youth and adults.

Adult Programming: basketball, lacrosse
Youth Programming: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, chess club, dance, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, wrestling

For more information on all programming and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://www.northharfordrec.com/.

𝐎𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Otter Point Creek Alliance is dedicated to the support of the research, education and conservation goals of the Otter Point Creek Component of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland. OPCA promotes environmental education of school students and the general public, offers volunteer opportunities, supports research, sponsors college internships, and promotes stewardship and conservation in the Reserve and surrounding area.

Programs offered include a variety of canoe programs, Young Forest Explorers, and Nature Tots.

For more information on all programming and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://otterpointcreek.org/.

Harford County Government

Friday, July 26, 2024, Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly and the Department of Parks & Recreation dedicated a new sculpture along the Ma & Pa Trail at Edgeley Grove Park. The bronze sculpture was made possible through a grant by Jack and Signe Shagena of Bel Air and is an eight-foot-tall one-half size replica of the original Ma & Pa Engine No. 6. Dubbed “Choo Choo”. The sculpture is double faced so it is visible to the Ma & Pa trail users hiking in both directions near Annie’s Playground. It was designed by sculptor Brad Vanneman of Wilmington, Delaware. Family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Shagena joined in the dedication ceremony.


Harford County Government

Mark your calendars, our fall program registration launches on August 1st at 8:30 a.m.!

Harford County Government

𝐉𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥
Joppatowne Recreation Council was formed to serve the community by providing sports, social, and recreational activities for both children and adults.

Adult Programming: badminton, pickleball, senior softball
Youth Programming: baseball, basketball, football, softball, cheerleading, soccer, swim, track & field, wrestling

For more information on all programming and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://joppatowne.org/.

𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥
The mission of the Norrisville Recreation Council is to provide valuable learning, sports and social activities for their community!

Adult Programming: basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, yoga, horseshoes
Youth Programming: baseball, basketball, flag football, rugby, soccer, tennis

For more information on all programming and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://www.norrisvillerec.org/


Harford County Government

Flying Point Park (511 Kennard Ave, Edgewood) is ready to go for our Parks & Recreation Day: Where Community Grows event tomorrow, July 26 from 2-6 p.m.

We can’t wait to see you there! Don't forget your towel!

harford_county_government_
Harford County Government

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞
The mission of the Havre de Grace Recreation Committee is to provide recreation and community activities to their citizens.

Adult Programming: basketball, dance, Young at Heart,
Youth Programming: basketball, cheerleading, dance, field hockey, football, high school 7v7 football, lacrosse, RC airplane club, outdoor soccer, indoor soccer, summer camp, wrestling

For more information on all programming and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://hdgrec.org/.

𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥
The mission of the Jarrettsville Recreation Council is to provide a variety of recreation activities to the Jarrettsville and surrounding communities.

Adult Programming: Zumba, tae kwon do
Youth Programming: lacrosse, baseball, softball, field hockey, cheerleading, football, soccer, basketball, tae kwon do, swimming

For more information on all programming and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.jarrettsvillerec.org.