Ellicott City (Map, News) - One hundred years ago, the sprawling Patapsco Valley State Park was a mere 43-acre forest. Now it is some 16,000 acres, winding 32 miles along the Patapsco River.

As the park turns 100 this month, the community reflects on the history and future challenges for the popular recreation spot.

“At times, it gets very crowded,” said Paul Farragut, president of the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park. “Trying to accommodate the population is a challenge.”

The nonprofit volunteer group helps maintain the park by doing everything from removing invasive vines covering native species to staffing the volunteer center.

In honor of the park’s birthday, the group researched the park’s beginnings and tracked down descendants of the park’s first supporters for a fundraiser gala this week.

On June 4, 1907, Catonsville resident John Glenn donated his Hilton estate to the Maryland Forestry Board. Little development stood between Baltimore City and Ellicott City, but the family “had the foresight to preserve the land,” Farragut said.

The park was first a forest reserve, growing slowly for decades. The creation of the state Program Open Space in 1969 dedicated funds from the transfer tax to buy park lands and boosted the acreage exponentially, Farragut said.

The park has become a haven for trail cyclists, kayakers and hikers. However, the popularity has taken a toll on some of the trails, according to the Department of Natural Resources, which is upgrading and managing trails with the help of a trail-management plan.

Officials hope to make the park more accessible with connections from surrounding neighborhoods.

“We are hoping eventually we can add some local parks by path,” said Gary Arthur, director of the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, which supports the Friends’ mission of preserving and enhancing the park.

smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com