BALTIMORE — A brand new playground was officially inaugurated on Friday at the historic Leon Day Park located in West Baltimore. This playground not only enhances recreational options for the community but also serves as a tribute to the legacy of Negro League Hall of Famer Leon Day.
The City of Baltimore, along with its Recreation and Parks Department, conducted a ribbon-cutting event for this unique playground. This initiative is part of Baltimore City’s Rec Rollout program, which was launched in 2022. The aim of this program is to prioritize safe and accessible recreational facilities across the city.
A modern playground opens at Leon Day Park in West Baltimore
Leon Day Park introduces a new playground that honors a Negro League Hall of Famer.
Baltimore City Councilman John Bullock stated, “This investment in our youth is incredible. While our community has faced various challenges, this playground signifies an opportunity for positive change and showcases our city’s commitment through the Departments of Recreation and Parks, the Mayor’s Office, our state delegates, and the City Council.”
The playground also serves as a tribute to Leon Day, who proudly called Baltimore his home. Mayor Brandon Scott highlighted the educational component of this new facility.
“When young people come to enjoy this state-of-the-art playground, not only will they have fun, but they will also learn about Leon Day’s remarkable image, helping to keep his legacy alive for years to come,” Scott noted.
Designed with community input, the playground adds a unique touch to the park while emphasizing its athletic focus. The space is utilized year-round for baseball and football activities.
“The youth will be the primary users of this space. It is essential to ensure that their needs are addressed so that they will actually come and use it. When they feel a personal connection to a facility, it becomes more valuable to them, and they will respect it,” Scott explained.
Even though the new playground marks a significant milestone, park founder Louis C. Fields remarked that there is still more work to accomplish. He expressed pride in the investments received from the city and state and is optimistic about ongoing improvements.
“We are witnessing a revitalization of a community park that serves as a safe haven for residents here in the Rosemount community, making it one of the best places for our children to come and be secure,” Fields added.
Future renovations for Leon Day Park are planned, including updates to indoor facilities as well as improvements to the baseball and football fields.
This article was reported by a journalist and transformed for this platform with AI assistance. Our editorial team ensures that all reporting across platforms remains fair and accurate.
