Plaza Along B&A Trail Dedicated In Memory Of Tom Caraker III

Light rain did not stop members of the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks, Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails, Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (BikeAAA), and friends and family of Tom Caraker III from coming out on June 7, National Trails Day, for the dedication of the Tom Caraker Plaza along the B&A Trail.

Located in the heart of Severna Park along the trail behind The Big Bean and neighboring businesses, the newly expanded plaza features a patio-style rest area of tables, chairs and bicycle racks for trail users to enjoy for years to come. A sign denotes that Caraker was known as the “mayor” of the B&A Trail and was a prominent member of the Trailblazers volunteer group.

The sign, which features a photo of Caraker with his bike, states that he “consistently racked up the most volunteer miles per year and was the ambassador known to regular users and visitors on the B&A Trail.” Over the years, he received numerous citations recognizing his dedication to the trail and its many users.

Though he was a resident of Glen Burnie, Caraker was a fixture on the trail in Severna Park, particularly at The Big Bean and Pedal Pushers, according to friend and BikeAAA President Jon Korin.

“I recall him telling me that the trail saved his life, especially after his wife passed away,” Korin shared. “He was an ever-present ambassador and greeter on the B&A Trail and a top promoter of the Anne Arundel County Lifeline 100 bike event. His presence on the trail was welcoming to all.”

Caraker last rode in the Lifeline 100 in 2018 at the age of 84 before succumbing to cancer later that year.

After Caraker’s passing, members of the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails and BikeAAA fundraised in his honor to improve the plaza, which was one of Caraker’s favorite spots. In his memory, The Big Bean offers “Tom’s Blend” and will donate 10% of sales from the coffee to support this year’s Lifeline 100. The event is scheduled for October 5 at Kinder Farm Park, and more information is available at www.lifeline100.com.

During the June 7 dedication ceremony, Korin, Jack Keene of the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails, and Chris Carroll of Recreation and Parks shared brief remarks to honor Caraker before his family members were presented with a citation from the county.