More than 241 acres of scenic land in Pasadena’s North Shore community are on track to become protected public space after county leaders approved a landmark donation.
On Thursday, March 19, the Anne Arundel County Council unanimously approved legislation to accept the donation of more than 241 acres of land in Pasadena – marking one of the most significant conservation gifts in recent local history.
The property, known as part of the Eagle Hill area, was gifted to the county in May 2024 by Elaine Denise Hall, trustee of the Edward A. Looper III Revocable Trust. Under the approved bill, the land will be permanently preserved and used by the county’s Department of Recreation and Parks for conservation and passive recreation, ensuring it remains largely untouched while still accessible for activities like walking, hiking, and nature observation.
The legislation included minor technical amendments correcting the zip code and formally recognizing Hall as the grantor of the gift. It also authorized approximately $7,500 for required due diligence, including environmental assessments conducted by the county to identify any hazards or future remediation needs before opening the land to the public.
“I just wanted to say thank you so much. This is an amazing gift to the county. Not a whole lot of people are in a position to give a gift like that, and many people that are in a position do not give a gift like that,” said District 6 Councilmember Lisa Rodvien during the meeting. “So thank you so much, your gift is really to be celebrated.”
A Legacy Rooted in the Land
Beyond its size, the property carries deep local history tied to the Looper family – particularly Edward A. Looper III, who passed away in June 2024 at the age of 71.
Looper, a longtime Pasadena resident, was known not only for his connection to the land but also for his commitment to preserving it. As the eventual sole owner of Eagle Hill and the surrounding acreage, he worked to maintain the property in its natural state. Eagle Hill itself holds a unique distinction as the highest natural point in Anne Arundel County.
His passion for the outdoors extended beyond land conservation. An accomplished sailor during his time at the Gibson Island Club, Looper won numerous racing awards and completed long-distance trips, including a voyage from Gibson Island to Nova Scotia and back. Later in life, he earned his Captain’s License and spent time cruising the Magothy River, Chesapeake Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Looper’s ties to the community were also evident through his family’s longstanding generosity. For years, the Looper family allowed Anne Arundel County to use a portion of their land on North Shore Road as an athletic field – later known as Looper’s Field. That property was eventually sold to the county to ensure it would remain dedicated to recreation rather than development.
Professionally, Looper’s career spanned multiple trades. After early work at his family’s business, Madison Opticians in Baltimore, he went on to operate heavy equipment and later became an ironworker, contributing to projects including the construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Preserving Pasadena’s Future
In many ways, the newly approved land donation reflects Looper’s lifelong vision. According to those close to him, he was deeply committed to ensuring that Eagle Hill and its surrounding natural beauty would be protected for generations to come.
Now, with the county’s official acceptance of the land, that vision is becoming a lasting reality.
For Pasadena residents, the result will be more than just a new park – it’s the preservation of a landscape shaped by history, generosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment.
