Sacred Places
Kirby Lane Park
A once-neglected block transformed into a neighborhood sanctuary where nature, play, and tradition bring generations together.
WHERE
Baltimore, MD
SETTING
Neighborhood
FOCAL POINT
The Serenity Mural
PARTNER INSTITUTION
Bon Secours Community Works
Visit
Where it is
1820-1828 W Saratoga St, Baltimore, MD 21223
What happens here
Throughout the year, the space comes alive with crab feasts, concerts on the community stage, harvest festivals, and other traditions that bring neighbors together. Children play while residents gather for horseshoes—a longtime neighborhood pastime—or retreat to the serenity garden for quieter moments of reflection. Together, these experiences make the garden a vibrant center of community life, connection, and belonging.
Firesoul, Donald Quarles, serves his community at the Park's annual crab feast.
HOW IT CAME TO BE
The block asked for it first
Drag to see the transformation.
01
The Need
Chronic illegal dumping and the demolition of vacant homes had left visible scars on the block and few welcoming places for neighbors to spend time outdoors. Residents wanted to reclaim the land and create a safe, beautiful space that could restore both the landscape and a sense of community pride.
02
The Vision
Led by Block Captain and Firesoul Donald Quarles, residents envisioned a place rooted in the life and traditions of their block—where children could play, adults could gather, and nature could offer moments of peace. Horseshoes, a beloved neighborhood pastime, joined play spaces, a serenity garden, and places for gathering and celebration beneath the trees.
03
The Transformation
Residents first began reclaiming the neglected land themselves through cleanups, pruning, natural fencing, and handmade seating. Through a partnership with Nature Sacred and other local nonprofits, those early efforts grew into a comprehensive landscape design. Today, horseshoe games, children at play, concerts and crab feasts unfold alongside a serenity garden, native bird habitat, and colorful public art—turning once-scarred land into a place alive with nature, neighborhood culture, and connection.
WHAT’S HERE
Under a large tree canopy
01
The Serenity Mural
Local artist Bridget Cimino's colorful mural forms a focal-point backdrop that draws visitors into the park.
02
The Horseshoe Pit
The block's most popular pastime, built into the park at the community's request.
03
The Play Space
A safe and inviting place for children to play and explore, while nearby caregivers find rest and solace among the native plantings and birds of the garden.
WHO TENDS IT
Donald Quarles
Firesoul, Kirby Lane Park
Read more →
HEAR FROM THE VISITORS
From the Little Yellow Journal
This park has been designed with love — and with love, it grows every day.
Katie
watch
Video
READ
Read
Green ties that bind
It was in the basement of Celebration Church— just steps away from what would become Kirby Lane Park, that Daniel Greenspan and Donald Quarles's paths first crossed.
News & Stories
Press
Read
"Kirby Lane Park" — Biophilic Cities Journal
"... The Kirby Lane Park story is one that cities across the US and around the world can learn from. The park’s restoration is a community-led initiative with a profound purpose: to address the health and wellness of the people who call this neighborhood, this park, home. "
