North Point State Park
North Point State Park is a Maryland state park located on Chesapeake Bay in Edgemere. Part of the park's 1,337 acres (541 ha) includes the grounds of Bay Shore Park (1906-1947), which was once one of the state's premiere amusement parks. The state park offers beach swimming and wading, fishing, picnicking, birdwatching, bicycling, and hiking. The park also has a modern visitor center and restored remnants of the old amusement park.[1]
History
Evidence suggests that the area was first occupied by humans 9000 years ago. During the War of 1812, it was on the route traveled by British troops intent on invading Baltimore from the southeast and several skirmishes were fought there. The site was used for farming for some three and a half centuries prior to its conversion to parkland.[1]
Bay Shore Park
Under the guidance of architects Otto Simonson and Theodore Wells Pietsch, Bay Shore Park was built here in a stately Edwardian style in 1906.[2] At its inception, the park could be accessed only by a trolley owned by United Railways and Electric Company, which also owned the park. Rides cost 30 cents.[2] It remained accessible only by trolley until the 1940s. The park originally had buildings for dining, dancing and bowling.[1] It also hosted a beach, with bathhouse facilities and recreational slides and rides, from which bathers could access the Chesapeake Bay. Various other amenities were added over the years, including several piers. In 1925, Jimmy Doolittle won the Schneider Trophy seaplane race held at the park that year.[3]
Activities and amenities
The park has several piers and provides beach access to visitors for wading and swimming. There are picnic tables and grills on site. The historical fountain has been restored, as well as the old trolley station, which is used by permit for large gatherings.
The Takos Visitor Center, which opened in 2002, was named in honor of Volunteer Ranger Steve Takos who spearheaded the renovation efforts at the park. It was designed to resemble the amusement's park former hotel and restaurant, and boasts an educational science room, multiple history and nature-oriented exhibits, including a large saltwater fish tank, and a conference room.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "North Point State Park". Maryland DNR. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
- ^ a b Kelly, Jacques (July 26, 2013). "Site of old Bay Shore amusement park still an oasis". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
- ^ Breihan, John R. (2009). Maryland Aviation. Images of Aviation. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0738567000.
External links
- North Point State Park Maryland Department of Natural Resources