As part of Anne Arundel County’s Capital Projects, Lake Waterford Park is on set to undergo construction on several major improvements starting next spring. The project includes a new multi-sport rink for adaptive sports, five new tennis courts with an air-supported enclosure, four new pickleball courts, a new pavilion, expanded parking, ADA accessible walkways, reforestation, and stormwater management.
Construction is anticipated to start in spring 2026 and will take approximately one year, during which time the park will be closed. This project will require removal of trees and a reforestation effort will be
completed as part of the project. While the community can plan to see trucks coming and going, there are no planned impacts to traffic, water, or wastewater services, according to the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works.
Long before it became a place where families picnicked under tall trees and children laughed on playground swings, Lake Waterford was simply an idea. In 1912, William Wolle – then director of Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park – purchased a quiet stretch of land in Pasadena. With a vision ahead of his time, he transformed the property into a lush retreat. He planted exotic South American trees and shrubs, stocked the water with bass, bluegill, and even shimmering goldfish, creating a little slice of paradise just off the beaten path.
When Wolle passed away, his children – William Jr. and Henrietta – took his dream even further. In the 1920s, they opened the lake to the public, renting out boats, cabins, and serving simple snacks from a concession stand. For many, it was a summer escape. Families of midshipmen visiting for Naval Academy graduations often filled the cabins, enjoying the peaceful water and breezy shade. Pasadena locals remember it as a place where life slowed down and the world felt simpler.
As decades passed, Lake Waterford evolved. The private retreat shifted hands and eventually came under Anne Arundel County’s care, transforming into the Lake Waterford Park we know today. Yet, echoes of its past still linger. The old lake, spanning 12 acres, remains at its heart – its calm waters reflecting both the surrounding woods and over a century of history.
Now, the park hums with activity. Kids race across its vibrant playground while adults walk along the hiking trails. Birdwatchers come with binoculars in hand, hoping for a glimpse of an osprey or bald eagle. Athletes take to the courts and fields, and families gather under its picnic pavilions.
In recent years, the park has entered yet another chapter. A community meeting held last winter at the Riviera Beach Library by Anne Arundel County officials introduced plans for major improvements – restoring shorelines, expanding trails, and adding new amenities – all while keeping nature at the forefront. Even as it changes, its mission remains the same: to offer a sanctuary where locals can connect with the outdoors and with each other.
A public meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:00pm-7:00pm via Zoom to discuss an environmental restoration project at Lake Waterford. This includes dredging the lake, enhancing the shoreline, installing new fishing access areas and improving ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility. To access the meeting and keep up to to date with the improvement project, visit the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works Capital Projects website.
