GORC park in Odenton, off Strawberry Lake Way, is one I’d been to many times with Stormy and Rainbow over the years. It wasn’t in the best of shape, but it had one awesome hill that both girls love to run down, and I am for anything that helps my kiddos burn off some energy. Late in 2021, the park shut down for renovations. The plan was to construct a new playground, expand parking, improve the sports fields, etc., and to reopen late in 2022. As projects never complete on time, we had to be patient, and the new playground finally opened in early April of 2023. I was excited to take Pebble to check it out. I was hoping the renovation of GORC park had gone better than the renovation of Crofton Park had, and it did!
The playground was no longer in the same spot, but had been pushed back further toward the tree line, and more parking had been created where the old playground once stood. There is a small pavilion in the center of the playground with equipment stretching out in both directions. On one side is a climbing dome, climbing hexagons, and swings. On the other is a small double slide, and a large obstacle course type structure. There are also plenty of things to spin on, including a merry-go-round that is inset into the ground to allow everyone to use it.
Pebble was in heaven and didn’t know which way to go first! Inevitably, like all my kids, she was drawn to the obstacle course, which consisted of a series of platforms that one can climb up. Pebble reached the second level, but wasn’t so sure she could make the third. When I told her about her sisters running down the hill, she had to do the same thing! I think we went up and down the hill two or three times before she wanted to get back to exploring the new playground. A friend of hers had shown up by that point, and the two girls had a blast checking everything out.
When we eventually packed it in to return home for lunch, Pebble kept talking about the playground, and how badly she wanted her sisters to see it. Later that same day, after school had let out, we were able to go back to GORC with all three girls. There isn’t a traditional set of monkey bars, but, for once, that didn’t bother Stormy. She was happy as a clam climbing on the obstacle course, and over the climbing dome with Rainbow on her heels. On that second visit, Pebble also mastered getting up to the third level of the obstacle course, although getting down proved to be a challenge. My husband had to give her an air lift. I was happy to see all three girls enjoyed their time at GORC just as much as Pebble had earlier in the day.
The renovation at this park is wonderful, and I highly recommend checking this playground out with your littles. There are no restrooms right next to the playground, although there may have been porta-potties in the parking lot, I can’t quite remember. Bring your portable potty for your child to use just in case so you don’t have to search out a restroom. Pebble has already been asking when we will go back. Happy trails!
