Gene Mason Sports Complex facts for kids
The Gene Mason Sports Complex is a super fun sports park in Cumberland, Maryland! It's a really big place, about 55 acres, which is like 40 football fields put together. This park was opened in 1952 and was made especially for team sports like baseball, soccer, football, volleyball, tennis, and basketball.
Around the park, especially along the Potomac River, there's a natural area with lots of plants and trees. This "green buffer" helps to filter rainwater runoff, keeping the river cleaner. It's also part of the bigger Potomac River Greenway, which is a cool natural area along the river.
What Can You Do at Gene Mason Sports Complex?
This park has tons of different sports areas for you to enjoy! You'll find:
- Four baseball or softball fields
- Four soccer fields
- One field that can be used for many different sports
- Three sand volleyball courts
- Four tennis courts
- Courts for horseshoe games
- A special BMX race track for bikes!
It's a great place to play your favorite sport or try something new with your friends and teammates.
Where is the Park Located?
The Gene Mason Sports Complex is in a cool spot! On its north side, it's right next to the C&O Canal Historic Park. The path along the canal, called the Canal Towpath, is part of a much bigger trail system. This amazing trail connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, all the way to Washington, D.C.! So, you could even bike or walk from the park to other cities if you wanted to!
Understanding the Park's Environment
The Gene Mason Sports Complex is built in an area called a flood plain. This means that sometimes, when there's a lot of rain, the area might get wet. However, building sports fields here is a smart idea because it's a place where people can have fun without much risk of damage to buildings or homes.
Sometimes, you might notice a smell from the nearby wastewater treatment plant. This plant helps clean water for the community. While it's important for keeping our environment healthy, occasionally, the wind can carry odors from it to the park.
