BALTIMORE, MD – Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (Rec & Parks), elected officials, community leaders and residents celebrated the grand reopening of the expanded Bocek Recreation Center, completing a $12 million investment that transforms the historic East Baltimore site into a modern, intergenerational recreation complex serving the Madison-Eastend community and surrounding neighborhoods.  

The ribbon cutting marks another major milestone in the City's Rec Rollout initiative, which is transforming recreation across Baltimore by replacing aging infrastructure with modern, accessible facilities designed to meet the needs of today's communities. Bocek is the fourth recreation facility to open this year, following the reopening of the renovated James D. Gross Recreation Center and the debut of the brand-new Chick Webb Memorial Recreation Center and Parkview Recreation Center. 

"The new and improved Bocek Rec Center is another example of our work to reverse decades of disinvestment and deliver the modern rec facilities our residents deserve," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "We want to make sure everyone can access resources like this near them, which is why we’re investing in parks, playgrounds, pools, and rec centers across our city—including the new Elijah Cummings and Gardenville Rec Centers, which are also set to open this year.” 

"This ribbon cutting completes a vision that has been years in the making. We restored the historic field house in 2021, and now we've created a full recreation complex this community deserves. Bocek reflects the future of recreation in Baltimore -- modern, welcoming, accessible and designed for everyone, from toddlers to older adults staying active and connected," said Dr. Reginald Moore, Executive Director of Baltimore City Recreation & Parks.  

Bocek Recreation Center sets a new standard for recreation centers in Baltimore, moving beyond basic gathering spaces to provide residents and families with modern, high-quality spaces for recreation, learning and community. When the field house reopened in 2021, Mayor Scott committed to adding a gymnasium and creating a facility that meets the needs of the community. This project delivers on that commitment.  

The expanded facility features a 94-foot collegiate-size basketball court, two 84-foot cross courts, indoor and outdoor fitness spaces, an outdoor pavilion, outdoor basketball court, restrooms and a welcoming entrance lobby. Designed to serve residents of all ages, the center will provide year-round opportunities for youth programming, athletics, fitness, community gatherings and wellness activities. 

The Bocek Recreation Center project was funded through a combination of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), City bonds and Maryland's Program Open Space funds.  

Visit baltimorecity.gov/bcrp to explore available recreation centers, pools, parks and more and follow @RecnParks on social media for the latest updates on events and programming.  

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Additional Quotes:  

• “Investing in rec spaces in our communities helps strengthen the city and bring people together. We fought to pass the American Rescue Plan to support community investments just like this — the expanded Bocek Recreation Center will be a center of sports and fellowship for youth and families in East Baltimore,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. 

About Baltimore City Recreation & Parks 

Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (Rec & Parks) is Baltimore's leading provider of affordable, year-round recreational activities. Rec & Parks builds a stronger Baltimore one community at a time through conservation, well-being and social equity. The agency manages and maintains 263 parks, 51 recreation centers, 25 miles of biking and hiking trails, and approximately 4,700 acres of parkland. To learn more about our programs and services, visit http://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/.