Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation and Better Block Foundation Host Community Festival to Unveil Glen Burnie Better Plaza

May 29, 2025

Glen Burnie, MD [May 29, 2025] – The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) and the Better Block Foundation invite the community to a two-day festival that will unveil and celebrate the Glen Burnie Better Plaza. Taking place Friday, June 6 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 7 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at 101 Crain Highway North in Glen Burnie, this free event will feature local vendors, live entertainment, interactive displays, and hands-on activities. The festival marks the official debut of the Glen Burnie Better Plaza, a temporary placemaking initiative that transforms the Glen Burnie Town Center (GBTC) into a vibrant and welcoming gathering place — just in time for summer.

The event will kick off the afternoon of June 6 with a special community ceremony where County Executive Steuart Pittman, District 2 County Councilwoman Allison Pickard, AAEDC President & CEO Amy Gowan, and other local leaders will share remarks on the significance of the GBTC. The ceremony will conclude with a symbolic final hammer stroke to mark the Glen Burnie Better Plaza officially open to the public.

“This plaza is the result of neighbors coming together to reimagine what’s possible in the heart of Glen Burnie,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “It shows what we can accomplish when local government, nonprofits, and the community work together. I’m proud of the work that’s gone into this space, and I hope it becomes a gathering place that sparks even more investment and connection in the months ahead.”

Developed through a 120-day process that began in January 2025, the Glen Burnie Better Plaza was shaped by community feedback gathered through public surveys and hands-on planning sessions led by the Better Block Foundation and AAEDC, with support from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. This community-first approach placed residents, volunteers, and local leaders at the center of the design experience, resulting in a vibrant, people-focused plaza.

“The Better Block project in Glen Burnie Town Center Plaza is a shining example of what happens when community, creativity, and collaboration come together,” said Allison Pickard, Council Member, District 2. “This initiative is not just about reimagining a public space — it’s about empowering residents to shape the future of their community, one Plaza at a time.”

The project is designed to activate and reimagine GBTC as an engaging public space, featuring colorful murals, shaded seating areas, custom-built Wikiblock furniture, vendor and performer zones, recreational elements, and the innovative Better Block in a Box toolkit. These enhancements aim to spark imagination, encourage regular community use, and inspire a shared vision for the future of the Town Center.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the Glen Burnie community and our leaders across Anne Arundel County throughout this process,” said Amy Gowan, President & CEO of AAEDC. “Their enthusiasm and input helped us envision what this space could become, and it’s exciting to see that potential brought to life. We hope this plaza sparks new opportunities for connection, creativity, and long-term investment in Glen Burnie.”

The June 6–7 festival is the first opportunity for the public to experience the transformed space and share their feedback. AAEDC and the Better Block Foundation will continue to gather community insights throughout the summer to guide future permanent improvements to the area.

“We’re honored to work alongside such a passionate and dedicated team of people who are not only ready to transform their community but are also taking charge of what Glen Burnie’s future can look like,” said Azael Alvarez, Project Manager for Better Block who’s been working with 13 core team members over the past eight weeks on all details of the project. “Their love for Glen Burnie is evident in every detail, and it’s been inspiring to see local leaders, vendors, and volunteers come together to build something truly special.”

The Glen Burnie Better Plaza will remain open through the fall of 2025. Community feedback from the summer pilot will help inform longer-term improvements and investments planned for the GBTC.

To learn more about the Glen Burnie Better Plaza and upcoming community events, visit: https://bit.ly/GlenBurnieTownCenter.

The project is still seeking community volunteers of all ages to help build, paint, unbox, and put together this summer activation from June 4 through June 7. Volunteers can sign up using this link: https://shorturl.at/8aTDa.

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About the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

Founded in 1993, the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Annapolis, Maryland. AAEDC’s mission is to foster diverse economic growth by empowering businesses, expanding job opportunities, and revitalizing communities in Anne Arundel County. As the go-to partner for local businesses, AAEDC supports the Anne Arundel County business community with key resources and services including financing, site selection, permitting and zoning guidance, market research, community revitalization, and small business counseling. Guided by its core values of connectivity, responsiveness, creativity, and excellence, AAEDC builds strategic partnerships and delivers innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the business community. Learn more at www.aaedc.org.

About the Better Block Foundation 

Better Block Foundation is an urban design nonprofit that educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. Find out more by visiting www.betterblock.org.

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