Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks Pays Tribute to the Lives and Contributions of Women Pioneers with Park Sign Dedications During Women’s History Month
As part of Women’s History Month, Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks is honored to dedicate park signs in memory of two remarkable women, Beebe Castro and Gertrude Makell, who made indelible contributions to Anne Arundel County and their local communities. Recreation and Parks are unveiling commemorative park signs for Beebe Castro in Shady Side and for Gertrude Makell in Galesville to remember their extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to making the county the best place for all. These women were trailblazers who left a lasting legacy through their impactful work and service to the community.
“We are honored and humbled to pay tribute to these exceptional women who have left a lasting mark on countless individuals through their remarkable contributions,” said Jessica Leys, Director of Recreation and Parks. “Their legacy inspires all of us, and we are privileged to commemorate the invaluable impact they have made on the residents of Anne Arundel County.”
Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Beebe Castro Dedication: Shady Side Park, 1355 East West Shady Side Road, Shady Side, MD 20764
The sign dedication for Beebe Castro, the first female Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks supervisor who played an instrumental role in developing women’s athletics in Anne Arundel County, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place at Shady Side Park in Shady Side. Beebe was also the first elementary school physical education instructor in Anne Arundel County, where she taught at Shady Side, Deale, and Traceys Elementary Schools. Before public schools had integrated sports, Beebe and her husband Jack started the Shady Side Boys and Girls Clubs with integrated teams.
Saturday, March 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Gertrude Makell Dedication: Hot Sox Field at Wilson Park, 862 Galesville Road, Galesville, MD 20765
A sign dedication and “Day of Remembrance” will be held at Hot Sox Field in Wilson Park in Galesville on Saturday, March 23, starting at 11:30 a.m. The event will honor Gertrude Makell, a longtime community leader and advocate. Gertrude was an active member of several committees and advisory boards dedicated to preserving the heritage of her community and the county. As president of the Galesville Community Center, she was a champion in rehabilitating the historic Wilson Ford property and helping Recreation and Parks upgrade the grounds into a public park. The 26-acre park was the home of Henry and Kitty Wilson, who were freed enslaved persons, and the site of the Hot Sox Ball Field, which was home to the Negro League team from the early 20th century until the 1960s. County Executive Steuart Pittman, Director of Recreation and Parks Jessica Leys, and longtime friend Roger Marshall will make remarks during the dedication.