Did you know the Friends staff works actively with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) to advocate for needed capital improvements in Patterson Park? Thanks to the work of our legislative team in Annapolis, the park has been the beneficiary of significant Program Open Space funds from the state of MD being designated for improvements tied to the park’s 2016 master plan. This dedicated funding allows us to help the city prioritize those projects while being mindful of the additional priorities they are working to address here in Patterson Park and citywide.
There has been a lot going on behind the scenes so let’s look at all the ways the park is improving! You can also find project updates on the city’s website at this link: https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/projects-and-improvements
Recently Completed by BCRP:
Linwood Avenue Playground – The playground recently received significant work to prepare the surface under the mulch to make it safer for users and make the edging more consistent to better hold the mulch. There was significant root growth caused by trees that were at the end of their life, so that has been addressed, and the equipment has been fixed! A new heavy layer of mulch has prepared it for the winter season, so we hope to see you out on the swings! The city has agreed to monitor the need for new shade structures after the tree removal so please reach out to us with concerns at friends@pattersonpark.com or report issues to 311.
Happening Now:
Baltimore Street and Lakewood Avenue Entrance (BCRP) – This entrance was designated a master plan priority and will receive upgrades to the bollards, the pathways, the sidewalks, the lighting and entrance structures and the paths. The city will be creating space for an entrance garden and the Friends has been facilitating communication with the Patterson Park Public Charter School to help them plan for their usage during this project.
Baltimore Street and Luzerne Avenue Entrance (BCRP) – This entrance will receive new signage and have the barriers replaced. The city is planning to install a gate to limit vehicular traffic in the park as well. This project will follow the completion of the Lakewood entrance and is designated a master plan priority project.
Marble Fountain (FPP) – We’re still in the final stages of work on the fountain. Our contractor’s investigation revealed that several of the interior copper pipes that feed water through the system were installed improperly and were bent instead of being cut to size. This has allowed the pipes to be more easily damaged. We are going to be installing new piping under the base that will better adapt to changing temperatures, but that will require permissions from the city that are in process. We are very mindful that this work be done well and will plan for the fountain to return in the early spring.
Basketball Courts (BCRP) – The courts have been resurfaced and are in the final stages of having the fencing repaired. The city will be reinstalling nets and backboards before the end of the calendar year. Plans for a mural on the courts continue and final painting of lines and the mural will happen in the summer of 2022.
What’s Next:
Boat Lake Dredging and Improvements (BCRP) - Initial assessments by consultants provided a scope of work that will include a partial dredging of the lake and significant work on addressing the invasive plant species. Improvements to the boardwalk will also be part of the project. The work will not require that wildlife be completely removed from the lake. This project is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2022.
Community Programming Space, Volunteer Support Center, and Courtyard (FPP) – The Friends is excited that 2022 will see the start of the second phase of our capital project. This builds on our successful completion of the renovation of the park superintendent’s house where we have our offices. Our next phase will see the addition of new construction to better support park programs and volunteers. We are building on a $1 million grant for this project and seeking to raise an additional $500,000. Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2022 and be completed by the summer of 2023. To learn more visit the project’s webpage here.
The Observatory (BCRP and FPP) - The Friends has advocated that the city plan for a review of the building’s current status and maintenance needs. This review will be done by a consultant who specializes in historic structures to ensure the scope of work is appropriate to the historic nature of the building.