A stylized leaf graphic next to the text 'Parks & People' in bold uppercase font.

Everyone deserves a park.

Park Project Types

  • These projects focus on transforming parks on either privately-owned, abandoned/vacant lots, or property owned by the City reclaiming these spaces into vibrant community areas. These compact green spaces pack in powerful amenities that promote community wellbeing, economic development, and environmental resilience.

    Projects include post-demolition sites, transforming blighted lots into neighborhood pocket parks through the Baltimore Vacants Reinvestment Initiative (BVRI). Pocket parks are an innovative approach to addressing Baltimore's extremely high rate of vacant housing. By repurposing these sites, the program aims to create safe, usable spaces that benefit residents and enhance neighborhood aesthetics.

  • We work in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools to build state-of-the-art schoolyards so that all children have safe, beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, play, and grow. Schoolyard projects may include playground equipment, outdoor classrooms, learning gardens, colorful murals, and green space.

  • These large-scale projects reach thousands of residents across multiple neighborhoods. We work with an extensive network of public and private partners—including Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, elected officials, philanthropic corporations and foundations, community organizations, and neighborhood associations—to support the development and maintenance of major parks and trails across the city.

Connecting Communities Through Parks

At Parks & People, we envision a Baltimore where everyone is connected—to their neighborhoods, to nature, and to one another—through a thriving network of parks and green spaces.

We lead park projects across Baltimore City from start to finish. That means we assess possibilities, engage communities, secure funding, and oversee design and construction. But our work doesn’t stop when the park opens—we’re committed to ensuring these spaces remain vibrant and well-maintained for years to come.

By partnering with local, state, and federal agencies, we make sure every park project delivers lasting benefits to the communities it serves.

How Parks & PeopleTurns Community Visions Into Lasting Park Projects

  • Parks & People conducts thorough feasibility studies to evaluate the viability, risks, and potential impacts of proposed projects. Our assessments guide decision-making and ensure that resources are directed toward initiatives with the greatest potential for success and community benefit.

  • Parks & People brings together diverse stakeholders—residents, community groups, elected officials, and other public and private partners—to foster dialogue, align priorities, and build consensus. Our collaborative approach ensures that projects reflect shared goals and community values.

  • We prioritize authentic community engagement where residents and stakeholders can shape the vision and direction of projects. Through a series of workshops, surveys, and public meetings, we facilitate a consensus-building process that allows residents to collectively decide on the priorities and solutions that will best serve their neighborhood.

  • Parks & People identifies and secures funding from public and private sources, leveraging investments to maximize impact. Our team crafts compelling proposals and builds strategic partnerships to unlock resources that drive projects forward.

  • Parks & People assembles and oversees multidisciplinary design teams tailored to each project’s needs. From architects to engineers, we ensure that teams are aligned with community goals and deliver innovative, context-sensitive solutions.

  • Parks & People navigates complex regulatory landscapes to ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Our proactive approach minimizes delays and ensures that projects meet all legal and environmental standards.

  • We manage the procurement and oversight of construction contractors, ensuring quality, timeliness, and adherence to budget. Our hands-on approach keeps projects on track and aligned with community expectations.

  • Parks & People helps communities plan for the long-term sustainability of their investments. By developing maintenance strategies and identifying funding mechanisms, we ensure that projects remain assets for years to come.

  • Parks & People works strategically with federal, state, and local agencies to direct resources to communities on the ground and deliver projects that make a difference in neighborhoods.

Discover local parks & green spaces near you

Discover local parks & green spaces near you

Celebrate Our Latest Ribbon Cuttings

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Blog
Harlem Avenue Pocket Park Ribbon Cutting
Harlem Avenue Pocket Park Ribbon Cutting
Tench Tilghman Early Learning Play Space Ribbon Cutting
Tench Tilghman Early Learning Play Space Ribbon Cutting
Cecil Community Park Ribbon Cutting
Cecil Community Park Ribbon Cutting
Frances Ellen Harper Park Ribbon Cutting
Frances Ellen Harper Park Ribbon Cutting
Solo Gibbs Park Ribbon Cutting
Solo Gibbs Park Ribbon Cutting
Salem St. Park Ribbon Cutting!
Salem St. Park Ribbon Cutting!
Faith Lane Park Phase I Ribbon Cutting!
Faith Lane Park Phase I Ribbon Cutting!

Parks & People Transforms Communities

A park with a dirt walking trail, blue benches, small trees, and a multicolored mural on a brick wall in the background. There are some recycle and trash bins nearby and a blue sky with clouds.
A graffiti mural on a long gray building with colorful designs of animals and nature, a few trees, rocks, and a playground area with tires stacked in a corner. Overcast sky.

Parks & People transforms and revitalizes neglected green spaces in Baltimore City. We help neighborhoods build and activate:

  • Pocket parks

  • Capital Greening Projects

  • Community Gardens

  • Large Community Parks

  • Post demo park projects

  • Microgreen spaces

Parks & People’s mission is to improve Baltimore through green space and education.