Gerst Road Park Community Survey

Baltimore County, Maryland

Thank you for taking the time to share your input on the future of Gerst Road Park. Baltimore County Recreation and Parks is planning a new public park on what is currently an undeveloped former farm field with an existing spring and wetlands. The site is not yet open to the public. Your feedback will help guide how the park is designed, what amenities are prioritized, and how natural features are protected and enhanced.

Please review the presentation showing four general conceptual designs, each of which presents a park theme and includes images that display examples of the general types of facilities, amenities, and areas displayed on the concepts. Please note that the concepts provide “food for thought,” to assist with gathering public input on the overall nature of the park and desired park features. The area and facility images provide a general idea of the potential facilities and spaces and are not an exact representation of what might be developed at the park site. The survey will be conducted through March 31, and the Department of Recreation and Parks appreciates and looks forward to your input.

About You

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* 1. Which best describes your connection to Gerst Road Park? (Select all that apply)

I live nearby

I pass by the park site regularly

I am interested in future park amenities

Other (please specify)

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* 2. How often do you visit parks in Baltimore County?

Daily

Monthly

A few times per year

Rarely

Never

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* 3. What age group are you in?

Under 18

18–29

30–44

45–64

65+

Existing Conditions

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* 4. Have you visited or passed by the Gerst Road Park site before?

Yes

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* 5. If yes, how are you familiar with the site today? (Select all that apply)

I pass by the site regularly

I am familiar with the surrounding area

I have observed the site informally (from the road or nearby properties)

I was not previously aware of the site

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* 6. What do you value most about the site today? (Select all that apply)

Open space

Natural areas

Potential for being developed as a formal park

Accessibility/location

Other (please specify)

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* 7. What concerns or priorities should be addressed as the park is planned and designed? (Select all that apply)

Preserving and enhancing natural areas and stormwater management

Providing recreation amenities and facilities for public use

Limiting the amount and scale of amenities and facilities

Providing high quality accessibility

Strong safety and visibility

Providing sufficient seating and shade

Other (please specify)

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* 8. Which overall approach best reflects your priorities for Gerst Road Park?

Protecting natural areas should come first, with limited recreation

Recreation amenities should be prioritized, with nature integrated where possible

A balanced approach between recreation and environmental protection

Not sure

Park Activities & Amenities
All four park concepts explore different ways to balance active recreation, passive enjoyment, and nature-based experiences within the same site. All four park concepts include a mix of active and passive facilities and spaces, such as playgrounds, fitness pods, sports courts, trails, nature areas, and gathering spaces.

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* 9. How important are the following amenities to you at Gerst Road Park? (Select no more than three amenities)

Playground(s)

Fitness pods or outdoor exercise equipment

Basketball courts

Tennis courts

Pickleball courts

Walking or nature trails

Picnic pavilions

Shaded seating

Comfort station/restrooms

Public art or interpretive features

Bird or nature observation areas

Other (please specify)

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* 10. Which types of activities would you most like to do at the future park? (Select no more than three.)

Walking or hiking

Children’s play

Organized or pick-up sports

Fitness and exercise

Picnicking or gatherings

Quiet relaxation

Nature observation or birding

Community events

Other (please specify)

Nature & Environment
The park concepts include meadows, lawn areas, reforestation, and enhanced wetlands.

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* 11. How important is it to you that Gerst Road Park prioritizes natural and ecological features?

Very important

Somewhat important

Not important

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* 12. Which natural features are most important to you? (Select all that apply)

Meadows and pollinator habitat

Tree planting and reforestation

Wetland restoration and enhancement

Open lawn for informal use

Environmental education elements

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* 13. Are there specific environmental concerns you would like the design team to consider?

Park Concept Options
Each concept provides a different organizing idea and character for the future park. While all include both active and passive facilities and spaces, they vary in emphasis, layout, and experience. Please review the four concept options and share your feedback.

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* 14. Please review the four concept options and rank them in order of overall appeal, with 1 being your most preferred and 4 being your least preferred.

Gerst Bowl

Gerst Playscape

Nature Symbols

Pop’s Way

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* 15. What do you like most about your preferred concept?

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* 16. Are there elements from other concepts you would like to see combined or included?

Access, Comfort & Safety
Because Gerst Road Park is being planned from the ground up, thoughtful design decisions can improve comfort, safety, and accessibility from the start.

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* 17. What features would make you feel most comfortable spending time at Gerst Road Park? (Select all that apply)

Clear paths and wayfinding

Lighting

Shade and seating

Restrooms

Accessibility for all ages and abilities

Other (please specify)

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* 18. Do you have any safety concerns related to park design or use?

Final Thoughts

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* 1. Which best describes your connection to Gerst Road Park? (Select all that apply)

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* 2. How often do you visit parks in Baltimore County?

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* 3. What age group are you in?

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* 4. Have you visited or passed by the Gerst Road Park site before?

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* 5. If yes, how are you familiar with the site today? (Select all that apply)

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* 6. What do you value most about the site today? (Select all that apply)

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* 7. What concerns or priorities should be addressed as the park is planned and designed? (Select all that apply)

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* 8. Which overall approach best reflects your priorities for Gerst Road Park?

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* 9. How important are the following amenities to you at Gerst Road Park? (Select no more than three amenities)

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* 10. Which types of activities would you most like to do at the future park? (Select no more than three.)

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* 11. How important is it to you that Gerst Road Park prioritizes natural and ecological features?

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* 12. Which natural features are most important to you? (Select all that apply)

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* 13. Are there specific environmental concerns you would like the design team to consider?

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* 14. Please review the four concept options and rank them in order of overall appeal, with 1 being your most preferred and 4 being your least preferred.

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* 15. What do you like most about your preferred concept?

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* 16. Are there elements from other concepts you would like to see combined or included?

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* 17. What features would make you feel most comfortable spending time at Gerst Road Park? (Select all that apply)

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* 18. Do you have any safety concerns related to park design or use?

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* 19. Is there anything else you would like the project team to know?