Last updated July 14, 2025
by Cathy King, NHRCA Member and Resident
I had heard about the new skate park being planned for the now closed North Harford Rec Center, so I joined the Zoom meeting earlier this year and listened to the development designer explain the vision. This is going to be so much more than a skate park! The space is located at 6800 Hamlet Ave., just off of Old Harford and Northern Parkway, behind the old Northern Parkway junior high school. The 9‑acre tract of land will be zoned to include new playgrounds, gardens, walking paths, two skate parks, and a multi‑purpose field. There will be landscaping and benches tucked throughout, with a focus on native plantings. The old tennis courts have already been replaced and additional basketball courts have been installed.
While still in the design phase, the playgrounds are being developed to have a treehouse feel. They will be located closer to Hamlet, and there will be fencing with designated openings so parents can watch the little ones, and little ones can explore without wandering into the road. The skate parks will be closer to Laurelton and will include tiered observation seating. Current design has two skate parks with varied levels of difficulty and included areas for perfecting skateboard tricks. The landscaping plans are quite impressive and take into account the clay levels in the soil and include rock beds for drainage. The plans take into account and incorporate the existing mature trees.
Many people attended the Zoom meeting, including some avid skateboarders. Our own Councilman Ryan Dorsey was in attendance. He stated that this skate park has been something he has been dreaming of for 10 years and is excited to see it come to fruition. Young families were also in attendance and gave feedback about playground and walking path design. The entire meeting was very upbeat, and the planners were professional and listened to the ideas of those in attendance. Stay tuned for more updates as we move from the planning to the groundbreaking stage—and I look forward to walking through the garden paths with you in the near future!
by Tyrah Cobb‑Davis, Outreach Manager — baltimoretreetrust.org · tyrah@baltimoretreetrust.org · (410) 538‑2753
Since springtime, Baltimore Tree Trust has been planting trees in our community and around the city in their goal to help beautify Baltimore, one neighborhood at a time. Here is an update on the success they had from all their hard work helping to keep our neighborhood beautiful!
I just wanted to follow up and share a final planting map of all of the trees that BTT was able to bring to the North Harford Road community. I wanted to reach out and share some updates and other resources that may be helpful. A variety of tree species from the approved street tree list that is provided by BCRP's forest division were planted. BTT was able to bring 102 new trees to the community! We planted American Hornbeam, Bald Cypress, Common Hackberry, Flowering Dogwood, River Birch, and Swamp White Oak.
The summer heatwaves impacted many things— from the trees to our staff members! Our watering crews do have each neighborhood on a routine watering and maintenance schedule, but the code red days slowed down our operations quite a bit. With autumn slowly creeping in, hopefully the majority of the hot days are behind us and we can resume our routes without issue.
In the event that you see any trees in the community that require maintenance, please email us at info@baltimoretreetrust.org. This allows our team to know what trees need to be checked out.
We are excited to plant more trees in your community to work towards planting healthier neighborhoods where all Baltimoreans can live, work, and thrive. For more information on our mission, please visit our website: www.baltimoretreetrust.org.
by Nancy Campion — NHRCA Resident & Dog Lover
Let's talk training! We received this wonderful article from one of our residents about her recent trials and tribulations of puppy training. Showing patience will lead to many wonderful years of companionship and unconditional love. The NHRCA recently partnered with a new business advertiser, LoveDon Canine Care. LoveDon specializes in pack walking, which is a great way for your pups to get exercise and socialization in a calm, structured environment. A warm NHRCA welcome to LoveDon Canine Care! You can find all of LoveDon's details on the advertisement pages. I guess this issue has really gone to the dogs!
I was curious if you have welcomed a new puppy into your life this spring, just like I have! Young puppies have very small bladders and are still developing muscle tone. Because of this, when they need to go, they go! Those Puppy Pads are great. I keep a large pad on the kitchen floor, close to the door, as the kitchen is also where her crate is set up. Your puppy is already able to tell you when they need to pee or poop. The trick is you learning to recognize their signals, and then over time improving your communication with each other.
Using a Crate During the Day. As much as you are able, you will want to be watching your puppy directly and interacting with them. But this is not always possible. Whether you are getting some work done, making dinner, running errands, or taking a nap, the crate will help you maintain house training criteria when you can’t be watching your pup every minute. Set the crate up somewhere that you can hear and/or see your puppy. Give your puppy a treat or toy when putting them in the crate so it has something to do. Take them out for regular bathroom breaks— with puppies 8–12 weeks old, I like to do this every hour if possible.
Learn Your Puppy’s Signals. When you are able to keep an eye on your puppy, they can roam more freely. But remember to focus on two goals—reading your puppy’s body language, and being proactive to set your puppy up for success and prevent accidents. Every puppy communicates in their own way, but there are common signals that a puppy uses when they need a trip outside. Watch your puppy for these behaviors:
If you see your puppy do one of these things or notice any other sudden change in behavior, take them outside to see if they need to go. Or you can take them straight to the puppy pad. I generally want my pet to go outside. At the same time, familiarity with pads helps for days of heavy rain and later deep snow. Be alert and watch your pet at these times—after meals, after naps, when a play session starts to wind down.
Praise for Good Habits. Praise and reward your puppy for peeing and pooping outside! Tell them what brilliant and perfect puppies they are, and give a treat or a nice pet. You can also play a little after they eliminate outside. Puppies just love to play! You are trying to build the pattern that the urge to eliminate means it is time to go outside, which is a really good thing! Accidents will happen…and it's okay! If you catch your puppy in the act, scoop them up and rush them outside, then praise for finishing the job in the yard. Yelling won't help.
Additional Tips. Use baby gates or exercise pens to create smaller sections in your house. This gives your puppy a little more freedom during the day but still keeps them partially confined and limits how far away from you they can get. Housetraining can take longer for small and toy breed puppies. Be proactive about taking these puppies outside frequently and use crates and baby gates to limit space when you can’t watch them closely.
I currently have three dogs and love them with all my heart. Roxanne, my newest puppy, joined the others this spring! Enjoy the love and happiness from your furry friend!
by Mrs. Monique R. Harding — Principal
Where Excellence is Expected / Dónde se espera la Excelencia
I am thrilled and honored to begin this school year as the proud Principal of Woodhome Elementary Middle School. My team and I are eagerly preparing for an incredible year ahead, and we can't wait to share it with you.
This summer, Woodhome Elementary/Middle School underwent extensive renovations. Every bathroom has been beautifully remodeled, providing our Wildcats with bright, spacious, and modern facilities designed for comfort and convenience. The gymnasium has been revitalized with vibrant yellow paint and elegantly refurbished wooden floors. The tile walls have been meticulously cleaned, creating an invigorating and welcoming gymnasium experience for students and parents alike. These updates ensure that our school community enjoys a refreshing and inspiring space for physical activities and events.
Additionally, some classrooms have been outfitted with new furniture, transforming them into inviting and inspiring spaces conducive to learning and creativity. Our upgraded auditorium now features a new screen and projector, and we plan to install a sound system soon.
I am also pleased to announce our new partnership with the YMCA. Through this collaboration, we have welcomed Mr. Gregory Brown Jr. as our Community Schools Director. This partnership has also enabled us to offer an after‑school program for students in grades three through eight. The program includes both academic and enrichment components, allowing students to explore talents such as cooking, dance, and art.
As the principal of Woodhome Elementary/Middle School, I am committed to giving 120% daily to ensure our school's success. We aim to elevate our institution from a 2‑star to a 4‑star school, and every decision I make will always be aligned with our school's vision and mission, with a student‑centered approach. My top priority is to support our students, families, staff, faculty, and community members as we embrace our motto, “Excellence is Expected.”
Together, we can achieve great things and make this school year phenomenal by addressing our students' social, emotional, academic, and physical needs. I look forward to meeting community members, new parents, and students and reconnecting with returning families. If you are interested in partnering with the school, please call me at (410) 396‑6398. Thank you! #goWildcats
North Harford Road Community Association