Wakefield Valley Park in Westminster is undergoing a comprehensive renovation of its trail system this year, and the restored Durbin House is nearing completion with a new visitor center planned for the first floor, according to City of Westminster Mayor Mona Becker.
New Multi-Use Trails in the Works
The trail renovation will create paths suitable for walkers, runners, and bikers while meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards.
"We are almost starting from scratch," Becker said of that trail work, as the existing paths were built for golf carts. The project also includes repairs to all bridges throughout the park system.
The park's existing trail system, which was originally built to accommodate golf carts, is undergoing a complete overhaul. The renovation will create trails suitable for walkers, runners, and bikers while meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards—a major shift from the current system.
"We are almost starting from scratch," Becker said of that trail work, as the existing paths were built for golf carts. The project also includes repairs to all bridges throughout the park system.
This Phase 1 trail renovation is just the beginning of a longer-term vision. Phase 2, scheduled for 2028-2029, will connect Wakefield Valley Park's trails to existing regional trail networks, including the Wakefield Valley Trail that runs along Route 31.
In February, the city celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Wakefield Valley Event Center, marking another milestone for the 187-acre property and its transformation from a bankrupt golf course into a public park that required years of strategic planning and a creative partnership. State and federal funding covered the entire cost of the event center project.
Durbin House Restoration Nearing Completion
The restoration of the historic Durbin House is nearly complete, and the city has allocated budget funds to create a visitor center and experience space on the building's first floor.
"The Durbin House is amazing," Becker said. The restored property will serve as both a historical landmark and an interactive destination for park visitors.
Seasonal Enhancements and Growing Green Space
Beyond the major construction projects, the park is also receiving some seasonal touches. Westminster is planning holiday lighting displays—primarily lights on trees along the park's entrance drive—for the winter months.
The park is also building on environmental initiatives already underway. A food forest planted last year features nut and fruit trees, and the park participates in the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay's tree program, expanding its commitment to native plantings and environmental stewardship.
Long-Term Vision for Wakefield Valley Park
While the master plan for Wakefield Valley Park includes sports fields, those developments are not guaranteed and remain further down the road. "The focus this year is the trails and the Durbin House," Becker said.
Photo: Durbin House, April 22, 2026