Russett/Maryland City

Local news covering the Russett and Maryland City areas

A new public playground has opened near the community pool in Russett. (Photo: Brenda Zeigler-Riley)

New Playground Opens in Russett

Congratulations to Russett resident Felicia Bond—a wife, mother of two, and an assistant principal—and to the members of the Russett Amenities Committee for bringing the concept of a new playground to fruition! As the only member of the committee with young children, Felicia recognized the need and spearheaded efforts for the playground.

While there are currently two playgrounds in Russett, the new one is the first to be built in many years. It is located near the community pool and is now ready for enjoyment. Felicia and the committee suggested that location because it provides an opportunity for more residents to access the playground.

Born in Chicago, Felicia says she considers Russett to be her home. She’s lived in various areas of Russett since 2000 and attended school in the area before moving away to attend college. After graduation and marriage, she shared, “It was important for me to return to Russett after getting married. I appreciated the fact that it was a family-centered neighborhood and I wanted my children to have that experience.” Felicia currently lives on the same street as her parents.

When asked if there are plans for additional playgrounds, Felicia said no; however, a project is currently underway for a pavilion-type structure to be built adjacent to the playground, which will provide a shaded area for residents to enjoy.

Residents React to Plans to Close Laurel Park Racetrack

In case you didn’t know, the historic Laurel Park thoroughbred racing track is scheduled to close after 115 years of racing history. There had been much speculation about the future of Laurel Park, and now it is evident that it will be closed down in the next few years. Currently, Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore is undergoing renovations and the annual Preakness Stakes normally held there will be moved to Laurel Park in May 2026. After the renovation of Pimlico is complete, Laurel Park will close and the land will be available for development.

While I’m not a horse racing enthusiast, I’ve attended a few horse races at Laurel Park. I was impressed! It was exciting to sit in the grandstand, watching the horses gallop down the track as the jockeys maneuvered them to a possible win.

The thought of the track no longer being in the neighborhood hit me when I saw a sign announcing the proposed development of housing on the site. It got me to thinking about how others in the neighborhood felt about such a monumental loss. Following are a few reactions from residents (identified by their initials) when I asked their feelings on the closing of the park and the Preakness coming to Laurel. As you’ll see, reactions were mixed.

• CA: So, it will have one last hurrah! I don’t have an issue with [the track]. Lots of traffic for a short period of time. No, I don’t plan to attend the Preakness.

• RR: Plans for additional housing will add to traffic. Possibly there will be a need for additional schools and infrastructure upgrades. Any benefits from the racetrack will be lost.

• DH: I am not happy with the fact that the Laurel racetrack will be closed for racing once Pimlico renovations are complete. The racetrack has been a staple in the community for decades. It’s unfortunate that it will no longer exist in a couple of years. I’m happy that the Preakness will be held here and yes, I do plan to attend.

• DL: I haven’t kept up with the pros and cons of it hosting Preakness or its subsequent closing. I don’t plan to attend Preakness.

• KW: I think the future development of the Laurel Racetrack could potentially have a positive impact on this part of the county, Anne Arundel, if planned thoughtfully. I would like to see an upscale arts and entertainment venue, also a 55+ housing community. Consideration, of course, would be traffic flow and pedestrian safety during Preakness.

Russett Library Highlights

Did you know that the Maryland City at Russett Library offers a variety of puzzles, board games, and card games that you can play right there? Just ask a staff member to see a list of available games. There is also a game and puzzle exchange cart where patrons can drop off gently used board games or puzzles and find new ones to take home.

A few upcoming activities at the library are listed below. For the full list, visit the library’s website at aacpl.net/events/happenings-newsletter or call 410-222-1070 to register and for additional information.

January 24, 2–3 pm: An adult art activity called Relax with Reverse Coloring can help you shake the post-holiday blues. Relax, have a cup of tea, and doodle on pages of colorful, abstract shapes.

February 14, 2:30–4 pm: A houseplant swap and tea for ages 11 and up.

February 21, 10:30 am–12 pm: Saturday Morning Paint with Coffee. Paint on canvas, using coffee! All supplies provided. Registration begins February 7.

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Brenda Zeigler-Riley is a retired educator and entrepreneur with a marketing, public relations, and fundraising background. Please send information on Russett/Maryland City (historical pieces, stories from first responders, hometown memories, resident profiles, etc.) to russett.mdcinfo@gmail.com.