The Friends of Patterson Park are working with the appropriate city agencies, including Baltimore Recreation and Parks, to address the defacement of the children's statue near the Pagoda. The pavement in front of the statue has been power-washed, and BCRP has already met with a conservator and a representative from the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to ensure that the cleaning will be handled in such a way that is safe for the statue. In the meantime, the statue may be covered or fenced off to prevent further damage. Police are investigating this incident.
Baltimore Recreation and Parks has stated, "Baltimore City Recreation and Parks is aware of the vandalism that took place in Patterson Park. As caretakers of the Park, our Parks Maintenance Division is working diligently with the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to assess the damage. We understand the sensitivity of this matter and will work with City Hall and the Friends of Patterson Park to find a solution to this matter."
Mayor Catherine Pugh also released a statement yesterday, saying, "While literally hundreds of Baltimore's young people were demonstrating Dr. Martin Luther King's example of service today, marching and making a positive difference in our community, it's unfortunate that others decided it was more appropriate to vandalize the 103-year-old children's statue in Patterson Park. We will of course determine the best way to restore the statue and hold those who defaced it accountable. In the meantime, this isolated incident should in no way detract from the wonderful spirit of generosity that was so evident throughout our city on this very special day honoring Dr. King's enduring legacy."
This article in the Baltimore Sun explains more about the incident: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-statue-20180115-story.html
Here is a link to learn more about the statue and its history: http://monumentcity.net/2009/04/0/star-spangled-banner-memorial-baltimore-md/
We will provide updates here as we have them. Thank you!
Updated 1/16/17, 4:15 p.m.