Standing atop a cliff in Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, Chris Rogers was awed by the magnificent view of the lush, green stream valley below. He completely forgot the hustle and bustle of city life -- only the occasional sound of a nearby siren reminded him that he was in an urban area instead of a mountain wilderness.
The oasis of peace in the heart of Baltimore inspired the Recreation and Parks intern to energize a group of people into implementing the Gwynns Falls Trail project.
That was eight years ago.
Saturday, Phase I of the 14-mile trail officially opens and you're invited to join the celebration. Pack a picnic, don your hiking boots or favorite walking shoes, strap on your in-line skates, jump on a bike, push a baby stroller or spread a blanket on the meadow and enjoy a day in the park.
"We're planning an old-fashioned community day -- a trail party instead of a block party -- with strolling musicians and jugglers, African dancers, big-band and jazz music, environmental demonstrations, a climbing wall, guided hikes and lots of food," says Ellen Smith, a community coordinator with the Parks and People Foundation. The nonprofit organization, a provider for creative solutions to recreation and park issues, is one of the partners in the trail project. Other partners include the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, the Trust for Public Land and the Gwynns Falls Trail Council.
Designed by Daft-McCune-Walker and constructed by Beka Industries at a cost of about $1.2 million, Phase I encompasses 4.5 miles that stretch from the western end of Franklintown Road near Winans Way to Leon Day Park. The 10-foot-wide, mostly paved path winds along the rocky and picturesque banks of the Gwynns Falls and meanders through forests thick with ancient and massive tulip poplar, oak and ash trees.
Portions of the trail follow a filled-in millrace, a source of water power in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for the many grist mills situated along the stream.
Although hikers at times walk alongside streets leading through parts of the park and have to be aware of traffic when crossing, the first phase of the trail is entirely contained within the 1,200-acre Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park.
"Most people don't seem to realize that this park is one of the largest urban parks in the country," says Smith, adding that it's a sanctuary for wildlife, songbirds and native plants.
