Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park: Difference between revisions

| name = Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park

| photo_caption = Orianda Mansion ("Crimea") in Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park

'''Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park''' is the largest woodlanda park in an[[Baltimore]], [[EastMaryland]]. CoastIt ofis the second-largest woodland park in the United States,<ref>{{Cite web |Eastdate=2015-12-23 Coast]]|title=Gwynns city,Falls/Leakin Park |url=https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/parks/gwynns-falls |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=Department of Recreation & Parks |language=en}}</ref> constituting a contiguous area of {{Convert|1216|acre|ha}}. Envisioned as a "stream valley park" to protect [[Baltimore]]'s [[Drainage basin|watersheds]], likeincluding the [[Gwynns Falls]], from overdevelopment and to preserve their natural habitats,. GwynnsIt Falls/Leakinis Parkwell todayknown offersfor athe rarefact opportunitythat forover 75 bodies have been discovered in the publicpark tosince explorethe a1940s.<ref>{{Cite diverseweb natural|last=Alvarenga environment|first=Jamie characterized|date=2023-05-14 by|title=This streamPark valleys,In ridgeMaryland tops,Has andA meadows;Dark enjoyAnd opportunitiesEvil forHistory activeThat recreation;Will andNever experienceBe historicForgotten structures|url=https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/maryland/leakin-park-md/ from|access-date=2023-09-26 an|website=OnlyInYourState® earlier|language=en-US}}</ref> eraIt is also home to the Baltimore Herb Festival.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Linda Lowe |date=May 20, 1989 |title=Leakin Park to Host 'Largest Herb Event in the Country' |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref>

Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, designated as part of the [[Baltimore National Heritage Area]], is managed and maintained by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, assisted and supported by volunteers of the Friends of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park (FoGFLP).

Providing a green canopy for Baltimore's west side, theThe park incorporates the valleys of the Gwynns Falls and its tributaries, extending more than {{Convert|6|mi|km|spell=in}} from the western municipal limits south to Wilkens Avenue. Along its borders are 20 of the city's neighborhoods. Today's visitors may find themselves agreeing with anAn 1831 traveler who expressed surprise at discovering the valley's "wild and beautiful scenery [...] so near the city, surrounded by all the various majestic features of a rocky mountainous country"."<ref>{{Cite book |title=A Natural Legacy: Baltimore's Gwynns Falls and Leakin Parks |publisher=University of Maryland Baltimore County, Community Studies Project |year=1986 |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:A family in Gwynns Falls-Leakin Park.png|thumb|A family walking through a meadow at Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park|275x275px]]

Along Windsor Mill Road, theThe Eagle Drive Entranceentrance to the park provides access to railroad-themed park amenities: the historic structures of railroad builder Thomas Winans, as well as such family activities as miniature train rides<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 7, 2010 |title=Chesapeake & Allegheny Live Steamers |url=http://www.calslivesteam.org/ |access-date=April 10, 2022 |publisher=Chesapeake & Allegheny Stream Preservation Society}}</ref> and a railroad playground. Features from the Winans Crimea Estate era include the stone Orianda mansion and carriage house and the Carpenters Gothic Winans Chapel—all threeChapel—both on the Citycity's list of historic landmarks.<ref>{{Cite web |year=1982 |title=Crimea and Stables Landmark Designation Report |url=https://chap.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Crimea%20and%20Stables%20Landmark%20Designation%20Report.pdf |access-date=April 9, 2022 |website=chap.baltimorecity.gov}}</ref> Visitor parking is located near the entrance.

Facilities in this section include the headquarters of the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School, with its outdoor activities programs. A short walk brings you to, the [[Carrie Murray Nature Center]] (CMNC), named for the mother of [[Baltimore Orioles]] great [[Eddie Murray]],.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 17, 1985 |title=Pay-Raise Payback: Eddie Murray Plans to Build Camp for Kids |pages=9 |work=Afro-American |location=Baltimore, Maryland}}</ref> with year-round programs providing young people opportunities "to meet live animals, explore the park, and develop a relationship with the natural world". For activeActive recreation, thissections section includesinclude tennis courts, with plans for improved sports playfields, and access to woodland trails. There is also a grove of 28 saucerSaucer magnolias ([[Magnolia × soulangeana]]) and three sweetbay magnolias ([[Magnolia virginiana]]) can be found here.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://baltimore.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d2cfbbe9a24b4d988de127852e6c26c8 |title=The Baltimore Tree Inventory |publisher=City of Baltimore, Tree Baltimore, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks |access-date=June 11, 2021}}</ref> that volunteers have recently saved from encroaching invasive vines. In early to mid-April, when the Magnolia Grove comes into full bloom, it is one of the must see spots in Baltimore.

=== Gwynns Falls Trail, Leon Day Park, and Winans Meadow ===

The [[Gwynns Falls Trail]] extends the length of Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park from the terminus of [[Interstate 70 in Maryland|Interstate 70]] (I-70) to Wilkens Avenue, then proceeds with alternate destinations toin the [[Inner Harbor]] and theWinans MiddleMeadow Branchsection. Constructed in stages from 1999 to 2008, the trail opened the stream valley to active recreational use for hikers and bikers,<ref>{{cite web|title=Leakin Park parkrun|url=http://www.parkrun.us/leakinpark/|access-date=April 21, 2019|publisher=Friends of Gwynn's Falls/Leakin Park}}</ref> with trailheads and provision for parking along the route.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Remesch |first=Karin |date=June 3, 1999 |title=The Urban Wilderness; Trails: Phase I of the Gwynns Falls Trail Opens Saturday, and It Represents a Big Step Forward in Reclaiming Leakin Park |pages=3 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 2, 1997 |title=West Baltimore's Appalachian Trail; Greenway: Ground-breaking on 4.5-mile Path Through Leakin and Gwynns Falls Parks |pages=20A |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Malik |first=Alia |date=June 23, 2007 |title=Urban Nature Trail Tells Story of City's Past; Historic Historical Scavenger Hunt, Outdoor Art Celebrate 15-Mile Gwynns Falls Trail |pages=1B |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> InterpretiveThe panelsproject tellalso contributed new playfields that were designated "Leon Day Park," in honor of Baltimore's [[Leon Day]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Jamie |date=August 24, 1997 |title=Take Me Out to the historyLeon Day Park; Hundreds Celebrate Dedication of 15 Acres in Late Ballplayer's Honor |pages=3B |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> There are approximately 18 identified hiking trails in Leakin Park. Most of the streamtrails valleyare in the Winans Meadow and Crimea areas of the park.

Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park traces its earliest history to a small tract near Edmondson and Hilton avenues, designated in 1901 as the Gwynns Falls Reserve. In 1904, as the city anticipated expanding its borders through annexation, the highly- regarded [[Olmsted Brothers]] firm proposed creating "stream valley parks" to protect distinctive watersheds like the Gwynns Falls from future development and secure them as natural preserves.<ref>Olmsted Brothers (1904). "Report Upon the Development of Public Grounds for Greater Baltimore". Reprint by Friends of Maryland's Olmsted Parks & Landscapes.</ref> Over the next decades, the Olmsteds worked with the city in its acquisition of park land extending to Windsor Mill Road.

In 1926, following the 1918 annexation, the city again commissioned the Olmsteds for a study of park needs in 1950.<ref>Olmsted Brothers (1926). "Report and Recommendations on Park Extension for Baltimore". Reprint by Friends of Maryland's Olmsted Parks and Landscapes.</ref> This report recommended extending Gwynns Falls Park northward along the stream to the city boundary. It also urged acquiring the valley of a tributary, the Dead Run, "considered by all who view it as one of the very best bits of scenery near Baltimore".

In 1939, [[Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.]] was again consulted, thisa timerequest to evaluate options forrename the use of the bequest of Baltimore lawyer J. Wilson Leakin for the establishment of a park in the name of his grandfather, a former city mayor. The issue was politically contentious, as various sections of the city competed for selection. Olmsted Jr. strongly recommended acquisition of the Winans Estate, Crimea, which included the valley of the Dead Run and the heights above, as "so nearly in condition, just as it now is, to be a very beautiful and valuable park"made.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1939 |title=F.L. Olmsted Is Enlisted in Park Problem: Expert Starts Survey Of Sites Proposed For Leakin Project: Expected To Make Report Soon To Municipal Art Society |pages=26 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}} </ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 1940 |title=Final Action Tonight On Leakin Park Site |pages=26 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Baumgart |first=Franklyn L. |date=June 1, 1940 |title=Crimea Estate as Leakin Park Site: Council Committee In 5-To-2 Vote For Dead Run Valley Tract: Selection Is Expected In Next Three Weeks |pages=26 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> The availability of the Winans Estate forwas purchasepurchased as late asfor the 1940s offered a rare opportunity for a park acquisition of this size withinin the city1940s,<ref>{{Cite limits.news With|last=Kelly purchases in 1941 and 1948|first=Kelly, theJacques city|date=November created Leakin Park21, the2015 name|title=Architectural adheringTreasures toNestled the bequest. Since Gwynns Falls andin Leakin ParksPark: areJacques contiguous,Kelly over time,In the city'sNeighborhood Department|pages=A3 of|work=[[The RecreationBaltimore and Parks came to designate the combined parklands as Gwynns FallsSun]]}}</Leakin Park.ref><ref>{{Cite bookweb |lasttitle=OrserFriends of Orianda House |firsturl=Whttps://friendsoforiandahouse. Edwardcom/Links.html/ |titleurl-status=Thedead Gwynns Falls|archive-url=https: Baltimore Greenway to the Chesapeake Bay//web.archive.org/web/20141026034950/https://friendsoforiandahouse.com/Links.html/ |publisherarchive-date=[[ArcadiaOctober Publishing]]26, |year=20082014 |locationaccess-date=CharlestonDecember 29, South2020 Carolina|website=friendsoforiandahouse.com}}</ref> and it was officially renamed Leakin Park in the decade as well.

Shortly after the establishment of Leakin Park, itwas andthreatened adjacentin Gwynns Falls Park were threatened1971 when funding for the federal [[Interstate Highway System]] fueled localintroduced plans that envisioned the route of an east–west bisecting their lands. As plans developed and acquisition of properties got underway, community activists in various communities across the city organized in opposition. A group committed to protecting the parks took the name of Volunteers Opposed to Leakin Park Expressway (VOLPE, the acronymcreate a playhighway onthrough the name of the federal [[United States Secretary of Transportation|Secretary of Transportation]])park.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dilts |first=James P. |date=May 25, 1971 |title=Expressway Design Hearing Is Tonight |pages=A9 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> As plans for the road developed, community activists organized in opposition.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dilts |first=James D. |date=June 6, 1971 |title=The Changing City: Who Wants The Expressway? |pages=SD3 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> A group committed to protecting the parks took the name of Volunteers Opposed to Leakin Park Expressway (VOLPE).<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 20, 1972 |title=Baltimore's Expressway Debate |pages=A12 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> Taking their opposition to court, VOLPE won a partial victory in 1972 when federalit judge [[James Rogers Miller Jr.]]was ruled that provision for hearings on the park route had been "legally insufficient," and ordered newany onesfuture plans to allowtake in full consideration of the environmental impact ofthey themight highway planspose.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rehert |first=Isaac |date=January 25, 1972 |title=Leakin Park Expressway Given Its Day in Federal Court |pages=B1 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> InBy response1980, acity [[Theofficials Baltimorereached Sun|''Baltimorethe Sun'']]decision editorialto acknowledgedabandon the needproposed toroute addressthrough transportationthe demands,park.<ref>{{Cite butnews wondered|last=Pietila |first=Antero |date=May 6, "Must1980 a|title=Funds cityshort destroyfor parksLeakin, dwellings1-83 andRoutes: businessesCity Finance Chief Cites Inflation, Drop in orderGas toTax accommodateRevenue the|pages=C1 automobile?"|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref>

In 2013, the FoGFLP learned of a [[Baltimore Gas and Electric]] (BGE) plan to run a new natural gas pipeline for a {{Convert|2|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} distance through the park, threateningwas made public. This line threatened a substantial number of the park's trees. BGE spokespersons explained the new line would replace an original one installed with park department permission in 1949, which was now facing considerable maintenance problems. However, a new line could not follow the existing route due to current environmental regulations protecting wetlands, so the proposed new route would run along the ridge near the southern border of the park. Especially troubling to FoGFLP leaders was BGE's requirement that the construction phase would entail a {{Convert|75|ft|m|adj=on}} clearcut corridor requiring removal of a large number of the park's finest trees, to be maintained at {{Convert|40|ft|m}} afterward for repair access and monitoring.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Wheeler |first=Timothy B. |date=September 26, 2013 |title=Park Pipeline Stirs Furor: BGE Plans to Replace Aging Natural Gas Line that Runs through Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park |pages=A1 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> In an editorial on the controversy, ''The Baltimore Sun'' insisted that "BGE must work with the city and other stakeholders to find the least damaging route for a new gas line through the area"."<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 30, 2013 |title=The Trees at Leakin Park: Our View: BGE Must Work With the City and Other Stakeholders to Find the Least Environmentally Damaging Route for a New Gas Pipeline through the Area |pages=A12 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> In response to the concerns raised, BGE agreed to consider an alternative northerly route through the park, following existing park roads, minimizing tree loss, and impacting fewer residences by its proximity to them. After four years of dialogue and studies of route feasibility, BGE began construction along the alternative route in 2018,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=April 19, 2018 |title=BGE to Spend $31 Million to Replace Baltimore's First Gas Pipeline through Leakin Park |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]}}</ref> completing the work in the autumn of 2019. Following completion, 870 replacement trees were planted along edges of the corridor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Granite Pipeline Project |url=https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/granite-pipeline-project |access-date=December 28, 2020 |website=Department of Recreation & Parks|date=January 10, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Granite Pipeline Relocation |url=https://www.bge.com/SmartEnergy/InnovationTechnology/Pages/GranitePipelineRelocation.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527095810/https://www.bge.com/SmartEnergy/InnovationTechnology/Pages/GranitePipelineRelocation.aspx |archive-date=May 27, 2020 |access-date=December 28, 2020 |website=BGE}}</ref> As ''Baltimore Sun'' writer Tim Wheeler observed in 2013, "One of the largest urban woodland parks in the eastern United States appears destined to become less wooded."<ref name=":0" />

=== Sewer line access roadsMurders ===

==== OvercomingAttempts ato overcome the stigma ====