Meeting Highlights New Athletic Fields, Pickleball Courts In Joppatowne

JOPPATOWNE, MD — Four athletic fields, pickleball courts and additional parking are planned for a new recreational complex in Joppatowne and Harford County officials want residents to weigh in on the project before plans advance.

The Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a community input meeting Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at Joppatowne High School to discuss the proposed Joppatowne Community Complex.

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The complex would be located off Trimble Road in Foster Branch Park. In January 2024, the Harford County government bought 129 acres of open space in Joppatowne on the eastern side of Trimble Road in collaboration with Harford Land Trust, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Foster Branch Park is the county's newest public park and is permanently preserved with a conservation easement through Maryland's Program Open Space.

The first phase of the Joppatowne Community Complex includes four athletic fields, pickleball courts, parking and stormwater management features designed to control runoff from the property.

County officials said the meeting will give residents an opportunity to ask questions, review the proposal and provide feedback.

The project is undergoing the county's Development Advisory Committee review process, which involves representatives from county and state agencies reviewing proposed developments and identifying planning, environmental and infrastructure requirements.

According to the county, the review process allows residents to raise questions about development plans before construction approvals are issued.

The committee considers issues involving roads, stormwater management, public safety, utilities and other aspects of proposed development.

The planned athletic complex is part of Harford County's broader investment in recreational facilities.

In his fiscal 2027 budget announcement, Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly identified new athletic fields in Joppatowne and Fallston among the administration's planned parks and recreation improvements.

The county's approved fiscal 2027 budget announcement also highlights investments in new athletic fields, parks and improvements to existing recreational facilities.