Solo Gibbs Park Ribbon Cutting!

Parks & People had the incredible honor of attending the #RecRollOut event alongside Baltimore Rec & Park, Mayor Brandon Scott, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, city and state representatives, and the Sharp-Leadenhall community. Together, we celebrated the transformative journey of this park and the positive impact it will have on the community!

The residents of South Baltimore have faced disinvestment, displacement, and the adverse effects of the construction of MLK Blvd. This ribbon cutting ceremony marks a turning point in revitalizing the South Baltimore communities, as we begin to reverse the negative trends. By providing a high-quality greenspace, Solo Gibbs Park allows residents to reclaim ownership and witness the positive changes taking place in their neighborhood.

Last summer, we engaged with the children of Sharp-Leadenhall in a remarkable session where they actively participated in designing the play space. Their invaluable input led to the selection of new equipment and colors, and we affectionately refer to the color scheme as “Oriole’s orange.” This playground is a testament to the power of community involvement and represents a significant upgrade from the original 1979 version. Thanks to the generosity of KOMPAN, we were able to include exciting additions such as a carousel spinner, shell swing, junior spica, and aquila and rambler climbers.

Looking ahead, we have exciting plans to enhance Solo Gibbs Park even further. This fall, we will be installing a variety of trees, shrubs, and plants, adding beauty and biodiversity to the park. These green elements will not only improve the aesthetics but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone to enjoy.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the visionary leaders who made this project a reality. Thank you to Baltimore Recnparks, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, KOMPAN, Senator Bill Ferguson, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Councilman Eric T. Costello and all our invaluable partners, funders, and our supporters. Without their unwavering dedication and support, none of this would have been possible!