The Allendale community in Lower Edmondson Village is celebrating a long-awaited milestone: the official reopening of the Mary E. Rodman Recreation Center following a transformative $1.8 million renovation that brings new life and renewed promise to one of West Baltimore’s most relied-upon gathering spaces.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, November 21st marked the occasion, drawing elected officials and community leaders including Mayor Brandon Scott, Comptroller Bill Henry, Delegates Sandy Rosenberg and Sean Stinnett, and members of the Allendale Community Association (ACA)—all unified in recognizing the rec center’s historical and ongoing significance.
A Community Cornerstone Restored
Located at 3600 W. Mulberry Street, the center had been closed since 2022 as crews addressed long-overdue repairs, only to uncover additional aging fixtures and structural needs that extended the project timeline. Throughout the process, ACA members remained closely engaged with Baltimore City Recreation & Parks to ensure transparency and progress.
The result is a modernized facility ready to once again serve as a safe, active, and welcoming space for residents of all ages. Senior programs will resume, youth will regain a dedicated place to play and learn, and neighborhood organizations—including the ACA—will return to hosting events that strengthen community ties.
Honoring a Baltimore Education Pioneer
The recreation center continues to honor its namesake, Mary E. Rodman, a trailblazing figure in Baltimore’s educational history. A graduate of the city’s first public high school for Black students in 1889, Rodman dedicated her career to advancing education for African American youth as both a teacher and administrator. Her legacy endures through both the recreation center and the former elementary school that also bears her name.
A Critical Program Faces New Challenges
One of the most valued services returning to the center is the ACA’s monthly Free Produce Giveaway, which has operated since August 2020. Each month, the association distributes 300–400 boxes of fresh food to families across the community, in partnership with the Maryland Food Bank.
“No other community in the Edmondson Village area has been as consistent with hosting food giveaways,” said Anita Cathcart, President of ACA.
But the program now faces new financial pressure. Beginning February 2026, the Maryland Food Bank will begin charging partners a $500 monthly fee, creating a $6,000 annual funding gap for the ACA. While the Baltimore Community Foundation has provided approximately $1,000 toward the effort, the association urgently needs donors and volunteers to sustain the essential service.
The giveaway occurs on the fourth Saturday of each month, with the next distribution scheduled for Saturday, December 13th, adjusted to avoid the Christmas holiday.
A Weekend of Service and Community Strength
The reopening weekend showcased the resilience and vibrancy of the surrounding neighborhoods. Just minutes from the recreation center, former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith and his organization LEVEL 82 hosted a free turkey giveaway at the Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club, bringing holiday support to hundreds of families.
ACA Treasurer Dr. Haki Ammi underscored the area’s strategic potential as a desirable place to live: “Many cars and trucks travel daily through our area to access I-95. We hope to attract quality homeowners and renters who work in D.C. and are looking for a convenient commute—what’s a 10-minute Uber or park-and-ride for bus riders?”
How to Support the Allendale Community Association
As the Mary E. Rodman Recreation Center reopens its doors, the ACA is focused on building momentum—but they cannot do it alone. Community members, organizations, and supporters across Baltimore are encouraged to get involved, whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word.
Email: allendalecomm@gmail.com
Website: allendalecommunityassociation.com
The revitalized recreation center stands as more than a building—it represents renewed hope, restored history, and a strengthened commitment to community progress in West Baltimore.