Historically Black Beach Could Become Park On Annapolis Bayfront

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A slice of the Annapolis shoreline welcomed Black residents during segregation. That historic property may soon become the newest park in Maryland's capital.

Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday announced that the state will contribute more than $4.8 million to preserve that site near Carr's Beach and Sparrow's Beach. Everybody would be welcome at this potential public space.

“We are proud to partner with the City of Annapolis to reclaim part of this beautiful waterfront area that is of such great historic and cultural significance,” Hogan said in a press release. “As a major music venue and beloved gathering place for generations of Black Marylanders, Carr’s Beach left an incredible legacy that we will now be able to preserve for posterity.”

RELATED: New Annapolis Mural Unveiled, Artist Honors Black Musicians

Elizabeth Carr Smith and Florence Carr Sparrows owned and operated the 180-acre destination, which was open in the middle of the 20th century. The site had a swimming area, a small amusement park and a concert hall that hosted famous acts like:

• Chuck Berry
• The Temptations
• Ike and Tina Turner
• The Shirelles
• Little Richard
• Billie Holiday
• Sarah Vaughan
• James Brown
• Stevie Wonder

Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford said his mother used to attend concerts at Carr's Beach in the late 1940s.

“I’m proud that this partnership will help bring new life to an area that greatly contributed to the rich cultural fabric of Annapolis and the State of Maryland,” Rutherford said. “The development of a park will add additional outdoor space for future generations to enjoy new adventures and make lasting memories.”

The 5.17-acre property proposed for the park was owned by the Carr family. It was located a few blocks from Carr's Beach and Sparrow's Beach, but it was not part of either coast.

This location is called Elktonia Beach. It sits at the intersection of the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay. The land is situated just off Bembe Beach Road.

The park would conserve nature at Elktonia Beach. It could also feature trails, picnic areas and pavilions. A map of the beach is shown below.

"The significance of Carr’s Beach to the history of Annapolis can never be overstated,” Mayor Gavin Buckley said. “We now have an opportunity to preserve this site and get it the national recognition it deserves."

Finalizing The Plans

The City of Annapolis is currently in the process of buying the land. The state's contribution will fund most of this purchase.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is committing $3.68 million in grant funding from Program Open Space Stateside. This will supplement Program Open Space Local money already offered from the City of Annapolis and Anne Anne Arundel County.

Hogan also dedicated $1.2 million in local parks and playgrounds infrastructure money to the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation for the acquisition.

The Conservation Fund Maryland is working to buy the property on behalf of the city. The purchase will proceed if the Maryland Board of Public Works approves the state's Project Open Space Stateside contribution.

“This acquisition presents a unique opportunity to preserve a historically significant area while providing public access and increasing outdoor recreation opportunities on the Chesapeake Bay,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio. “We appreciate the governor’s leadership on this project.”

Leaders said Maryland Sen. Sarah Elfreth, the Chesapeake Conservancy and the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation have been critical in the park push.

RELATED:

• New Annapolis Mural Unveiled, Artist Honors Black Musicians

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