South Harbor Renaissance Installs 170 Engraved Pavers in Federal Hill Park

South Harbor Renaissance Release:

Baltimore, MD—On a beautiful Saturday morning November 20, 2015, at Federal Hill Park, South Harbor Renaissance (SHR) unveiled the first 170 engraved pavers donated through its Paver Campaign “Make Your Mark on the Park”.

One of SHR’s founders, Ms. Anne Apgar, said “What a perfect day to celebrate the Park, its rich history and promising future. A huge thank you thank you to our generous donors, including Pub Dog Pizza and Maria D’s Sub Shop, and our photographer, Mr. Bill Van Dyke, for capturing the delight of children and adults alike in discovering their own paver.”

Custom-engraved pavers are replacing those in the path through the Federal Hill Park Playground and are paving the way for generations to come. A tribute to a family member or someone special becomes a lasting legacy and helps fund ongoing improvements to the park.

This is only the beginning. Every time 25 or more new pavers have been donated, a new section will be installed. To join the effort, please visit www.south-harbor.org.

The ongoing support of individuals and institutions is vital as SHR, in consultation with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and the community, shifts its focus from capital projects to maintenance and security in Federal Hill Playground and Park. This will help Federal Hill Park regain the stature appropriate to its history and prominence; help the city attract and retain residents, especially families, as well as businesses; and build a better Baltimore. Since May 2015, SHR been responsible for and funded the day to day maintenance and cleaning of the Park by the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore.

Over the past five years, South Harbor Renaissance has worked collaboratively with the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Commission on Historical and Architectural Preservation, the Baltimore Tree Trust, the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance, the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association and the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore to restore, preserve and enhance Federal Hill Park as a resource for the diverse communities of Baltimore City and its visitors.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

South Harbor Renaissance and its partners have invested over $700,000 in improvements to the Park, including:

• Installation of a new Flag Staff Plaza, dedicated by former Governor Martin O’Malley in June 2012;
• Restoration of two major historic monuments to War of 1812 heroes General Samuel Smith and Colonel George Armistead, rededicated in September 2013;
• Completion of plans, designs and construction for a new historic-themed Playground, reflecting the State’s civic, maritime, and mercantile heritage, completed in June 2014;
• Installation of historically appropriate, 3-arm, weatherproof benches, as well as trash and recycling receptacles;
• Restoration and painting of the playground area fence enclosure and light poles;
• Installation of dog waste dispensers;
• Engagement of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore to provide consistent cleaning and landscaping, beginning in May 2015;
• Planting of 27 new trees in June 2015;
• Restoration of turf over a multi-year period beginning in fall 2015.

SUPPORT

SHR raised substantial funds from the State of Maryland’s Program Open Space, as well as private grants and donations. The Goldseker Foundation provided a crucial seed grant enabling start-up support by the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. The Abell Foundation and Parks and People Foundation met specific needs. SHR also raised playground funds through GiveCorps. The Baltimore Community Foundation is the nonprofit’s fund administrator. Ballard Spahr and Venable have advised SHR pro bono. Committed Board members and volunteers continue to give their time and talent.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  Anne Apgar, Sandy Apgar, Walt Ettinger, Maggie Kennedy, Rufus Lusk, Trevor Prophet, Lana Skirboll

Email: shr.fhp@gmail.com

Website: www.south-harbor.org

Facebook: SHR for Federal Hill Park

Twitter: FedHillPark_SHR