Renderings Revealed for Phase Two of the Rash Field Redevelopment

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore shared updated conceptual designs for the completion (phase two) of Rash Field at the south shore of the Inner Harbor.

The $16.8 million phase one opened in November of 2021 and added two play areas – an adventure park with a pair of 30-ft. wooden towers and the BGE Nature Play area; Jake’s Skate Park named in memory of Jake Owen, an avid skater and sports lover who was killed when he was five years old by a cell phone-distracted driver in 2011; a shade lawn; a green overlook; and, the BGE Pavilion. A café space is in pavilion with outdoor seating and views of the waterfront. A business has yet to open in this space.

The phase two designs were prepared by Baltimore’s Mahan Rykiel Associates. From a Waterfront Partnership press release:

While the already opened portion of Rash Field Park emphasizes children’s play and discovery, phase two will focus more on recreation, wellness, and leisure with a large open lawn for field games or special events, extensive gardens, a beach and several walking paths, including a leisure walk, a nature walk, and a fitness trail with exercise equipment that borders the beach, terrace and lawn. The Pride of Baltimore Memorial will also be relocated within the site.   

“The Lawn” is envisioned as a flexible space to be used as an athletic field, event space or just a relaxing spot to have a picnic or enjoy the waterfront views; “The Plaza” is seen as a space where visitors can get active and play games with friends and family; “The Gardens” will provide a space for city residents to reconnect with and learn about nature on a deeper level while also engaging in fitness activities and community programming; and lastly, “The Beach” is planned as a space for visitors to dip their toes in the sand during a game of beach volleyball or to relax and enjoy the sunshine.    

Renderings also show new pile pickle ball courts 

Fundraising is underway for phase two of Rash Field Park with an initial State commitment of $3 million, In the coming months, Waterfront Partnership will continue to seek out additional public funds for the project before seeking private funding from the community. Early cost estimates for the project are $15 million.   

“Knowing how well received and full of laughter and fun the first phase of the park has been, we are very excited to present these designs and bring the project one step closer to completion,” said Laurie Schwartz, president of Waterfront Partnership, in a press release. “We are still several years from opening, but we’re excited to start the process. We are aiming to start schematic design by spring and the construction and opening schedule will depend completely on fundraising. As with all projects of this size, designs may be adjusted before reaching the final construction phase.” 

“Rash Field will be a park all Baltimoreans will be proud to claim as their own,” said Jingpeng Gu, president of Mahan Rykiel in a press release. “It’s an exciting time to see a premier park at the Inner Harbor with a focus on nature, inclusivity and wellness.”

Renderings from Mahan Rykiel Associates

About the Author: Kevin Lynch

Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.