Bond Bill Would Fund Robert E. Lee Park Play Area

would get state bond funds for a planned children's play area, under a bill submitted by state Sen. Bobby Zirkin.

Zirkin's bill would grant $215,000 to Baltimore County to build the play area, dubbed Acorn Hill.

The play area, as designed, includes swings, arts-and-crafts areas, an amphitheatre, a playhouse and a quiet area featuring gardens and bird feeders.

The area could host educational activities, art projects and special events. It would be located atop a hill on the west side of the park, near the Light Rail tracks.

The park's nature council, which worked with Baltimore architectural firm Hord Coplan Macht to design the play area, is helping to raise additional money and find volunteers.

"We feel like we can really go forward on it," said Nancy Horst, the council secretary. "We're hoping that the people looking for a nearby place to bring their children and their grandchildren, a nearby place where they can ... have a view of the lake, you can watch your kids play. What's not to like?"

Zirkin, who will represent the area when the new state legislative districts take effect after the 2014 election, could not be reached for comment on the bill.

County officials don't have a timeline for when the play area could be constructed if the bill passes, spokeswoman Ellen Kobler said.

Robert E. Lee Park, owned by Baltimore City but technically located in Baltimore County, under county management.