Gwynn Oak Park in Lochearn, MD
Gwynn Oak Park is a small urban, historic park with a volleyball sandlot, stream overlook, wide green space, and plenty of tables for picnicking.
On the border between Baltimore County's Woodlawn and Lochearn neighborhoods and Baltimore City's Howard Park neighborhood sits Gwynn Oak Park, an historic site and green space hidden from street-level view. At the park's hilltop entrance, cars whiz busily along the avenue, a thoroughfare paved into a long, winding hill between Liberty Heights Avenue in Baltimore City and Windsor Mill Road in Baltimore County. Since its inception, Gwynn Oak Park has always stood at the cusp of something. It has always had a gift for bringing people together.
Today, families gather at the park's many picnic tables and camp grills. Small children toss grass in the water to play with the mallard ducks and cackling geese that make the river that runs through the park their home. And young couples rest on the river embankment with toddlers and strollers at their side.
On the opposite side of the park, music booms from a performance stage as dancers from a local high school twirl their hips to Beyoncé. Later, park-goers of all ages will dance together when the Cupid Shuffle plays.
The Historic Past of Gwynn Oak Park
A few decades ago, this park now known for its rolling green was formerly loved for its Tilt-A-Whirl. As an amusement park, Gwynn Oak Park was the place for families to have good times going on rides together. But in the 1950's these amusements were off limits to people of color due to the park's segregationist admission policies.
On August 28, 1963, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., walked with hundreds of thousands of people in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. In his speech, he spoke of a dream he had for a day where "little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." On the very same day King delivered his speech, Gwynn Oak Park desegregated and opened its gates to all visitors regardless of skin color.
Today's Gywnn Oak Park
Although the amusement park flooded in 1973 after Hurricane Agnes, the spirit of the park bringing people together remains. In the park's renovation, there are numerous spots for small gatherings, sports, meditation, and animal watching.
One of its unique features is a beach volleyball court. Yes, that's right: There's a sandlot with a volleyball net smack dab in the center of this urban neighborhood park. The remaining area of the park is open green, perfect for frisbee, touch-football, hula hooping, or outdoor yoga.
It takes about 5 minutes to stroll the park's paved walking path, but along the way you'll also find the park's natural treasures, from the Gwynns Falls to the many trees that make up the park's wooded area.
Tips for Your Trip to Gwynn Oak Park
The park offers free parking and has enough space to fit about 50 cars in overflow.
If you enjoy camping or cookouts, remember to bring your outdoor cooking supplies to make full use of the picnic tables and public grills.
For your convenience, the park has public bathrooms.
Where to Eat
Because this park has so many places to picnic, if you don't plan to use the public grill, it's a perfect location to buy or pack your own lunch and just sit outside. A nearby, local Baltimore favorite for salty fried chicken is Royal Farms, which is walkable from the park but easier to drive to. If you're looking for nearby indoor dining, try Monaghan's Pub.
Where to Shop
Local shops can be found all along Windsor Mill Road. Try Ta'Bella for fashionable children's clothing. Or find something to good to share at A Good Book Gift Shop.
What Else to Do
Getting rained out or looking for a way to extend your day? Visit the nearby AMF bowling center in Woodlawn. Click the button to get up to 71% off two hours of bowling plus shoes.
Lush Garden Crush Overall Rating
This tiny park is packed with American history. Therefore, it's earned 5 stars from us. We also love being able to sit on a bench at this park and watch the birds floating and feeding in the water. It's the perfect place to get away without needing to drive far.