Kirby Lane Park
Donation protected
Last spring, we (all of YOU!) helped the Kirby Lane Park team recruit Bridget Cimino to paint a Serenity Mural for Kirby Lane Park. What an incredible different contribution to the spirit and ethos of a neighborhood.
On the 1800 block of Saratoga Street in West Baltimore, in just two years, a new park has come to life on the site of formerly abandoned lots. With the fierce and loving leadership of Block Captain Donald Quarles and the Franklin Square Neighborhood group, Kirby Lane Park is becoming a haven for adults and children.
I could not be more inspired by this committed group of visionary people making it happen for their community. If you've ever heard a negative word about Baltimore, think again. This is Baltimore at its best.
Kirby Lane Park is the result of many people’s labor and dedication, but the vision is Donald's: a beautiful, green, safe, multi-purpose community gathering space. Children can get away from their screens and get some exercise outdoors, and adults could gather to be with their children, enjoy a neighborhood barbecue, or share a game of horseshoes. Donald had a deeper purpose in mind, too: the new park would be a place of healing. “All of us have our hurts, habits, and hang-ups,” he says, “and we all need healing.” He wanted a serenity garden where people could come and meditate or just sit in a peaceful place and gain some healing from a beautiful green environment, while children could play safely nearby. “The purpose of the park is to try and help people,” Donald says. Donald’s sentiments reflect an extraordinary collective attitude that I saw over and over again in Baltimore, one of community pride, tenacity, and love.
Let's fuel the good! Make a donation and then join us at the official dedication of Kirby Lane Park.
ps: All donations will go to the upkeep of Kirby Lane Park, for the discretionary use of its stewards.
Thank you!
On the 1800 block of Saratoga Street in West Baltimore, in just two years, a new park has come to life on the site of formerly abandoned lots. With the fierce and loving leadership of Block Captain Donald Quarles and the Franklin Square Neighborhood group, Kirby Lane Park is becoming a haven for adults and children.
I could not be more inspired by this committed group of visionary people making it happen for their community. If you've ever heard a negative word about Baltimore, think again. This is Baltimore at its best.
Kirby Lane Park is the result of many people’s labor and dedication, but the vision is Donald's: a beautiful, green, safe, multi-purpose community gathering space. Children can get away from their screens and get some exercise outdoors, and adults could gather to be with their children, enjoy a neighborhood barbecue, or share a game of horseshoes. Donald had a deeper purpose in mind, too: the new park would be a place of healing. “All of us have our hurts, habits, and hang-ups,” he says, “and we all need healing.” He wanted a serenity garden where people could come and meditate or just sit in a peaceful place and gain some healing from a beautiful green environment, while children could play safely nearby. “The purpose of the park is to try and help people,” Donald says. Donald’s sentiments reflect an extraordinary collective attitude that I saw over and over again in Baltimore, one of community pride, tenacity, and love.
Let's fuel the good! Make a donation and then join us at the official dedication of Kirby Lane Park.
ps: All donations will go to the upkeep of Kirby Lane Park, for the discretionary use of its stewards.
Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Katie Swenson
Organizer
Baltimore, MD
Denise Thompson
Beneficiary