Sacred Places
Howard Park Civic Association
A contemplative space for the neighbors least able to reach the others.
WHERE
Baltimore, MD
SETTING
Neighborhood
PARTNER INSTITUTION
Howard Park Civic Association
HOW IT CAME TO BE
Berlin's runways gave them the idea.
01
The Need
Howard Park residents have easy access to downtown entertainment, major commuting routes, and public transportation, while living among tree-lined quiet streets and larger single-family homes with spacious yards. But the neighborhood sits in the western wing of Baltimore's Black Butterfly and has seen population stagnation over decades; residents are 90% African American and 22% seniors. The chosen site is a city-owned lot abandoned for years, given over to dumping and tall grass, which the Association adopted in 2022.
02
The Vision
The Association was inspired by former airways-turned-parks in Berlin, now used for rollerblading, walking, and other recreation, and wanted to bring intentional contemplative space to Howard Park — a need that also surfaced during community canvassing they carried out themselves. The site would be open to all but serve seniors in particular, who are less able to reach the other green spaces in Howard Park. Formed in 1947, the Association is one of the oldest continuously operating homeowner associations in Baltimore City.
03
The Transformation
Come back soon. [Placeholder per 19 Aug call.]
