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CROMWELL VALLEY PARK

This 367 acre park was acquired by Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks starting in 1993. The park is a stream valley park comprised of pasture, open fields, woods, hedgerows, cultivated fields and floodplain. This diverse habitat makes it an excellent area for wildlife. There are many species of raptors such as the Red-tailed Hawk, Kestrel, and Great Horned Owl which prey on a healthy population of small mammals such as rabbits, deer mice, and meadowvoles. Deer and fox are also plentiful. Song birds which can be seen in the park include the Baltimore Oriole, Bobolink, Meadowlark, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Bluebird, and many others. The Belted Kingfisher and Great Blue Heron are often seen around the stream.

Located in the Minebank Run stream valley, the area has been settled since the early 1700's and used primarily for farming. Some Iron ore mining and limestone quarying took place in the stream valley with the largest of at least four mines located at the stream's starting point -- hence the name Minebank Run. This valley became a production area for lime used as whitewash and agricultural lime due to an easily quarried supply of Cockeysville marble, which readily turned into lime when dumped into the top of the kiln and heated using wood as fuel. The burned marble, now lime powder, was then collected and bagged at the base of the furnace. The lime kilns in the valley operated until the 1920's and were owned by the Jenifer, Shanklin and Towson families. The remnants of several of these lime kilns are still visible today in the park.

Today's park was acquired from three property owners from March, 1993 to December, 1994 primarily with PROGRAM OPEN SPACE funds from the State. The Willow Grove Farm, the eastern most 220 acres, was purchased from the heirs of Robert Merrick, a prominent Baltimore banker. On this farm stands a house built in the mid 1800's by A.W. Shanklin. The Sherwood Farm, the center 102 acres, was purchased from the heirs of Mrs. Frances Wellington Sherwood. On this property sits the gorgeous Sherwood House. Dating from 1935 , this house was designed by the Baltimore architectural firm of Palmer and Lamdin. Run as a gentleman's farm, the Sherwoods operated an apple and peach orchard, sold eggs and chickens to the public, and raised farm animals for the family's own kitchen. The third property, the Good Fellowship Farm, was purchased from Mr. Franklin Eck, who operated a Christmas tree farm. The park continues to operate this tree farm and sells the trees during the holiday season.

Plans for the park call for the maintenance of the rural character and open fields, while providing opportunities for a variety of leisure time activities. Areas have been designated for a conference and social center, interpretive activities, picnic groves and passive and active recreation.

The park is currently open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. At present visitors may enjoy hiking, birding and nature study. Visitors may use the Willow Grove entrance to the park at 2175 Cromwell Bridge Road. In addition the park plans many weekend and special events throughout the year, many of which feature hayrides with the park's two draft horses, Lorell and April. For more information about the park, upcoming programs and special events, please call the park office at 887-2503/2504. T.d.d./Deaf 887-5319. The office is located in the Sherwood House, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, MD 21234.

CROMWELL VALLEY PARK

Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks

Picnic Groves

Horse Drawn Hayrides
* Call to schedule your private hayride and campfire program

Acres and Acres of Beautiful Pastures,

Meadows and Woodlands for Restful Walks.

Programs
* Nature walks, campfires, outdoor education, surmmer day camp, and more

Special Events Throughout the year.
* Easter Egg Hunt
* Earth Day
* Summer Solstice
* Fall Harvest Days
* Hayrides

Cromwell Valley Park
2002 Cromwell Bridge Road
Baltimore, MD 21234

(410)887-2503/2504