$500K Grant Paves Way For Bicycle, Pedestrian Path

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A new bicycle and pedestrian path will connect two major existing bike routes and revitalize the 11-mile greater Middle Branch waterfront thanks to a $500,000 grant awarded to MedStar Harbor Hospital by the Maryland Seed Community Development Anchor Institution Fund.

The three-mile bike and pedestrian path will span two jurisdictions and connect the BWI Trail in Anne Arundel County and the Gwynns Falls Trail in Baltimore City. The Gwynns Falls Trail currently has a trailhead adjacent to MedStar Harbor Hospital’s campus. It will offer safe access to southwest Baltimore, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Gwynns Falls Park, a wildlife refuge and more.

Construction of the trail project is estimated to cost approximately $3 million.

"This is an ambitious project that we hope will spur economic development along the Middle Branch waterfront, connect eight neighborhoods, encourage safe and healthy transportation, improve the environment by reducing car use, and improve the health of the community,” said Ryan Moran, director of community health for MedStar Health in Baltimore. “MedStar Harbor Hospital is committed to transforming and revitalizing its surrounding community, which faces economic challenges and poor health outcomes.”

“This project will help address one of the toughest problems in these communities – transportation barriers. This protected route will make it easier for residents to get to the Middle Branch Park, the soon-to-be developed Wellness Center in Reedbird Park, jobs and health services at the hospital. It will connect these neighborhoods with a vibrant and attractive pathway and improve the quality of life for thousands of residents,” said Meredith Chaiken, executive director for Greater Baybrook Alliance.