Centers & Sanctuaries > Patterson Park Audubon Center >

Dear Friends:

Audubon Maryland-DC is partnering with the City of Baltimore to revitalize the Virginia Baker Recreation Center and create an adjoining Patterson Park Audubon Center. The center will triple the current number of program participants served and dramatically expand the variety of activities and classes available to the 60,000 people that live within walking distance of the Park.

The project is an outgrowth of the active presence Audubon has as a community partner with the City and the Friends of Patterson Park since 2002. Out of a small storefront office on the adjacent Eastern Avenue, Audubon provides outdoor education and science classes for 5,500 students annually from schools, community centers, and afterschool programs. We also provide a wide variety of activities that connect people, ranging from toddlers to adults, with the natural wonders that surround and sustain them.

The new facility will be a catalyst to ensure the permanence of the dramatic improvements witnessed in the past few years around this extraordinary green space that is so vital to the neighboring communities in East Baltimore. An increased investment in Park facilities and exemplary programs will promote healthy families, a safe and prosperous community and well-educated children.

Mayor Sheila Dixon has already committed $3.5 million from the City for the $6.7 million campaign to fund the revitalization. The balance of the campaign goal is dedicated to obtaining permanent endowments and curriculum enhancements for a variety of Audubon program components. These endowments will guarantee operating stability, underwrite programs to make them affordable to all, and lay the foundation for long-term sustainability. While this is a multi-year campaign, it is critical that we obtain early pledges to keep the project moving forward.

Nonprofits excel in finding resources for programming but struggle with capital endeavors and cities excel in finding resources for capital endeavors but struggle with finding resources for long-term operations. The partnership formed between the City of Baltimore and Audubon for the Virginia Baker Recreation Center will leverage each other’s strengths to manage a design and construction process that will conclude with a facility that will be well maintained and appropriately funded.

Over the upcoming year, we will be holding community meetings to give the neighbors of Patterson Park a chance to voice their ideas and concerns. One is currently scheduled for 7:00PM at the Community Center on Wednesday, December 12, 2007.

If you would like more information on the Campaign, please review the following:

FAQ summary
Center Project Profile
Giving Levels/Naming Opportunities
Pledge Form

If you have any questions or would like additional information about the campaign, please call 410-745-9283.