Partnerships for Parks

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and the Parks & People Foundation encourage community groups interested in participating in park maintenance and enhancement projects to develop their capacity to become active partners in caring for their parks. These innovative partnerships of public and private organizations can provide an expanded workforce, leverage financial and human resources, and connect education to outdoor learning environments while empowering communities to take control of the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

The Partnerships for Parks program includes assistance with organizing successful events, recruiting volunteers, fund raising, technical aspects of physical improvement activities, making parks safer, building alliances and partnerships, starting a park friends group, negotiating agreements, and providing small project grants. Currently, there are numerous Park Friends groups, neighborhood organizations, and individuals that have put effort into park improvements. The Partnerships for Parks program is designed to strengthen the involvement of these organizations by formalizing a partnership with the city and to inspire others to become actively involved in park projects. Groups establishing formal partnership agreements with the Department may also be eligible for partnership investment funds.

To explore your interest in becoming a Park Friends group, obtain grant program information, or learn about volunteer opportunities, contact the Partnerships Community Organizers at 410-448-5663, ext. 122.

Baltimore takes pride in its grand legacy of parks, one of the largest and oldest urban park systems in the United States. The City's parks are cherished places to recreate and enjoy nature, form-giving elements in creating Baltimore's "sense of place" and important environmental and cultural resources. Baltimore's park system embodies many of the values its citizens hold dear: democracy, equal opportunity, and faith in the livibility of cities. See Discovering Baltimore's Parks: The Legacy and an Overview.

Spring 2008 Growing, Restoring & Organizing Workshops

Love Parks?

Then join the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and the Parks & People Foundation for fun, FREE, informative workshops and gatherings this spring! These hour-long trainings and social hours are geared toward the needs of Baltimore City park steward groups.  

All workshops will be scheduled as follows –
Registration: 5:30-6p.m.
Training: 6-7p.m.
Networking & socializing: 7-8p.m.

Refreshments will be served.

Space is limited; RSVP required! For more information or to RSVP, please call (410) 396-7900 or e-mail green@baltimorecity.gov.

See below for the latest news on these events. Details will be added regularly, so check back soon!

Monday, October 20, 2008
Generating and Sustaining Youth Involvement

Baltimore-based groups focusing on youth involvement share their secrets and resources. Presenters will include Ali Smith of the Holistic Life Foundation and John Enny of Outward Bound.

Location: The Ballroom of the Orianda House Mansion in Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park (near Outward Bound's headquarters), 1901 Eagle Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207

November 2008
Legal Issues for Non-profits

Exploring common legal issues for non-profit organizations. More details to come!