More than 30 years ago, Sally J. Michel had a dinner with Baltimore City mayor, William Donald Schaefer. Longtime friends, the two frequently dined together; however, during this particular evening, Schaefer had an idea. He asked Sally to develop a private-public partnership to enhance the city’s parks and from that, the Parks & People Foundation was born.

On August 16, 2018, our founder, Sally J. Michel, passed away. In founding Parks & People, she had a vision for a Baltimore where everyone is connected to their community and each other through vibrant parks and green spaces. And it is our mission to make that dream a reality.

Although she is gone, Sally’s legacy can be felt through the 31,000 children who have graduated from SuperKids Camp since its creation. It can be felt with every teen who participates in our Branches internship program and every middle schooler who joins one of our sports leagues. And it can be felt with every child’s laugh that hangs on the breeze in one of our parks.

To donate in Sally’s memory, please click here.