Downs Park

8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122

Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Downs Park offers a variety of natural and recreational activities throughout its 236 acres. Downs Park offers more than five miles of paved and natural trails.

beach

Photography Policy Pilot Program

Effective February 2025, Downs Park implemented a new photography policy pilot program. Please review the Photography Policy section below for more information.

Park Highlights

About The Park

Downs Park offers a fishing pier, children’s playground, two basketball courts and an amazing view of the Chesapeake Bay. Reserve one of the three large outdoor pavilions for groups up to 100 people and one small pavilion for up to 50 people. A wedding garden, youth camping area and the Chesapeake Room are available for rent. Downs Park offers an amazing spot to launch a kayak at the Locust Cove Cartop Boat Launch. 
 
The park property has a rich history which has been preserved by the Downs Park Historical Society. Volunteer groups include the Friends of Downs Park, Garden Volunteers, Volunteers-in-the-Park and the Downs Park Quilters Guild. 

General Information

  • Downs Park is open 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to dusk. 
  • Downs Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
  • Visitor Center Office hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Daily Entry Fees
Daily Pass:$6.00 per vehicle
Daily Pass - Physically Challenged: * $5.00 per vehicle (MVA handicapped tags or hanging permit required)
* Handicap discount does not apply to bus entries.
Daily Pass - Service Connected: Free per vehicle (Military Individuals, Veterans and their Families - Services connected I.D. required)
Annual Passes
Annual Pass - AACo Resident:$30.00
Annual Pass - Non-County Resident:$40.00
Senior Pass - 60 and up:$40.00
Daily Parking Fee - Buses (12 or more seats):$30.00 (School buses only free with pavilion rental)
Get your Daily Pass, Annual Pass or Senior Pass at one of Anne Arundel County's regional parks (Beverly Triton Nature Park, Downs Park, Fort Smallwood Park, Kinder Farm Park, and Quiet Waters Park) at YourPassNow.com. All passes at our regional parks can be purchased here prior to arriving at the park. With an annual pass you may explore and enjoy the four regional parks as often as you'd like for a single annual fee. Passes for regional parks are also available for purchase from the park gatehouses.
 
Vehicles entering the park must either display a valid annual/senior pass or pay the daily pass fees. The annual permit is a small sticker which is permanently affixed to the driver's side front bumper of the vehicle, drivers side window or the inside frame of the driver's side door. Persons age 60 and over may obtain a senior pass which is a card that must be shown along with valid ID to gain vehicle entry. A pass is valid for one parking space at a regional park and are not transferable.
 
Contact the park office at (410) 222-6230 for more information.
 
Replacement Permits: $3.00 per vehicle 
If your vehicle is sold or involved in an accident and the current year parking permit sticker needs to be replaced, remove the parking permit sticker from the vehicle and return it to the park office to receive a replacement. Replacement senior passes are also available in the event of loss or significant damage. Applications for replacement senior passes must be obtained and submitted to the park where the original pass was purchased.

Guildelines, rules and regulations for special events for non-profit organizations. 
 
Special Events Application

Effective February 2025, Downs Park implemented a new photography policy pilot program. Please review the Photography Policy section below for more information.

Photography Policy Pilot Program 

  • All annual and daily photography passes are subject to approval by the park superintendent.
  • All annual and daily pass holders must review the Photography Policy.
  • A daily pass is for a 2-hour photo block. Once approved, please schedule your 2-hour photo block with the park office.
  • All annual and daily pass holders need to reserve photo sessions through ActiveNet.

Recreation & Parks Events

May
19
Bird Walk 5/19/25
Quiet Waters Park
600 Quiet Waters Park Road
Annapolis, MD 21403
-
May
20
Infant/Toddler Hike
Quiet Waters Park
600 Quiet Waters Park Road
Annapolis, MD 21403
-
May
21
Annapolis Watercolor Club Art Show
Quiet Waters Park
600 Quiet Waters Park Road
Annapolis, MD 21403
-
May
23
Campfire Open Mic Night
Beverly Triton Nature Park
1202 Triton Beach Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
-
View All Events
A corgi running through waves on a beach

Dog of the Month Contest

Enter your furry friend to be our next Downs Park Dog of the Month! All photo submissions must be taken within Downs Park and contestants must adhere to County leash laws. 

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bay and pier

Photography Contest

Try your hand in Ranger Jack’s Photography Contest! All submissions must be taken by the participant in Downs Park during the contest timeframe.

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