the Neighborhood Design Center
Project No. 2968

Darley Park Gateway: Improving Health and Safety Through Communal Space

At a prominent corner of the small Darley Park community in East Baltimore, a group of trash-filled, muddy vacant lots were a detriment to sense of place and public health. Now bursting with life, this dynamic park is complete with a performance stage, play area, and ample greenery.

What We Did

  • Space Planning
  • Design-Build
  • Community Outreach
  • Capacity Building
  • Research
  • Grant Proposals
  • Network Building

Partners

  • The Darley Park Community Association
  • Baltimoreans United In Leadership Development (BUILD)
  • The 6th Branch (T6B)
  • Parks and People Foundation
  • The Waterfront Partnership
  • Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

Supporters

  • Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA)
  • State of Maryland
  • Delegate Cory McCray
  • City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke
  • Parks and People Foundation
  • Urban Health Institute
Before: Undefined space reduced usability, space dangerous due to illegal dumping, lack of vegetation contributed negatively to runoff and erosion, truck driving on lot reduced land quality.

The Challenge: Decrease chronic violence by creating a sanctuary out of neglected space.

Darley Park is 94% African American, and suffers the consequences of racially biased planning policies: 26% of properties are vacant and abandoned, life expectancy is 67 years old compared to 84 in the city’s affluent neighborhoods, and the unemployment rate is 21%. As a result, Darley Park residents experience chronic trauma and violent crime.

Studies show that green space is linked to better mental health, increased community engagement (fostered by caretaking of the space), and improved safety.

The absence of clean, safe, green spaces — and the central presence of a neglected, muddy lot left behind where row homes once stood — was taking a toll on residents. 

“It’s important that the community comes outside. That’s the only way you can reclaim spaces.”

Darley Community Member

“Our goal is to make the lots a safe and welcoming space. I hope that in 5 years time, the park will be a safe place for the community, somewhere where a senior could sit and enjoy the outside or could read, kids could play.”

Pauline Charles, Darley Park Community Association President

Architect Jimmy Leonard, of the award-winning Baltimore firm Design Collective, designed a plan for the phased evolution of the park.
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After: Colorful paint and murals are inviting to visitor and community alike, performance stage encourages community connections, tree plantings and wildflower planter boxes support biodiversity and reduce runoff, illegal dumping eliminated, safe, high-quality ground treatment.

“Over 3,645 volunteer hours (valued at $85,876.20) have gone into this work since January 2015. What was once a dumping ground and truck parking area is now full of life.”

Scott Goldman, The 6th Branch Executive Director

Key Investments

The total estimated value of the services and resources secured under this project through NDC’s partnership, not including NDC staff time, is over $55,210. 

    • $10,000 grant from the Urban Health Institute to support community-designed park elements (swings, benches, boulders, and a mural valued at $15,000 via partnership with MICA and artist Whitney Frazier)

    • $30,000 transformative art prize from Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts to build the circle stage, create community art quilts, and support the TT The Artist Concert at Neighborhood Lights/ Light City 

    • $13,000 grant from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts for the second “Gateway” mural featuring resident Mr. Abdullah Moanay’s poetry

    • $2210 in donated professional services by architect Jimmy Leonard to develop the concept design plans that were used to secure a $50,000 bond bill.

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Studying Mental Health

Darley Park is part of a study to understand how green space can impact mental health in communities experiencing violence and trauma. Dr. Carol Vidal of Johns Hopkins University has worked with Darley Park team members to study the impacts of the park. Briony Hynson of NDC presented their work at the Active Living Research Conference in Banff, Canada.

The Future

NDC has partnered with Gwen Brown, a leader at BUILD, and Pauline Charles, the leader of the community association, to grow the network of partners around the park. Through the foundation of a park steering committee, we’ve increased investment from both municipal and foundation funders, such as the Parks and People Foundation. Since joining the efforts in 2016, they have secured over $300,000 in renovation funds to continue to build the park towards the community’s long held vision. Phase one was completed in Summer 2019, including tree plantings, stormwater retention planters, professional landscaping, and high-quality seating. Phase Two will include updates to the play area, with new equipment.

As Darley Park continues to change and grow, NDC will continue to support the leadership of the community for the long term.