BALTIMORE — Construction of the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center is officially underway in South Baltimore's Cherry Hill neighborhood.
And that's not all, thanks to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, a state-of-the-art ballpark is also being built next door at Reedbird Park.
Together, the two projects will make up what's being called a "super," recreation center.
Once finished, the 35,000-square-foot fitness and wellness center will have three pools, a community room, fitness studios, gymnasium, basketball court, and an indoor walking track.
The $23.1 million center is scheduled to open in 2022.
Funding comes from a combination of city and state bonds, community development block grants, Maryland Natural Resources programs, and casino revenue.
In what will be named “BGE Field presented by KELLY,” the $2.25 million ball field will be the 100th of its kind built by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, over the last 19-years.
“The fact that we have been able to build one hundred of these beautiful and transformational parks in areas of need across the country makes me really proud,” said founder and Orioles legend Cal Ripken, Jr. “It is extra special and only fitting that field number one hundred is right here in Baltimore, serving kids in our city.”
A celebratory groundbreaking ceremony will take place at Reedbird Park on September 21 at 1pm.
The 83,000-square-foot field is expected to be complete by Spring 2021.
