March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 51 F

New Community Group Forms To Help Revitalize Downtown Annapolis Park

Flag of Annapolis, Maryland

This ½ acre community park owned by Anne Arundel County at the entrance to the Historic Clay Street Community and used by the popular summer First Sunday Arts festivals was in jeopardy of becoming another office building.

Led by Councilman Chris Trumbauer, the Anne Arundel County Council agreed with the public who wanted the park to remain and not become another office building. In order to save the park the County and the City of Annapolis are working on a shared maintenance agreement and to lease the park to the City. This will allow the park to continue serving local residents, office workers and tourists.

Two of the people that spoke out to save the park are Jim Martin from Free State Press and Erik Evans from First Sunday Arts festivals. They believe saving the park is only the beginning. “The park is in need of repair. It needs new landscaping, park benches, electrical work,
retaining wall repairs and more.” says Jim Martin.

Through ongoing talks with County, City and non-government experts their goal is to identify and prioritize the parks needs and help raise funds for park improvements.

Erik and Jim have started a new community group called Friends of Annapolis Parks to help offset some of those costs. The goal of this
group is to reach out to the community to raise funds to revive this park in partnership with the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel
County. “As a fund raising and support arm for the park we have an opportunity to create something special for the community while
improving maintenance for this long neglected park”, says Erik EvansThe first events planned at the park at Clay and Calvert Streets are on Saturday April 21st from nine to noon with a Greenscape project
sponsored by Friends of Annapolis Parks and a lease signing ceremony City and County officials.  Then on Sunday May 6th from noon to five the First Sunday Arts Festival fills the park with artists, music and entertainment. Both events are free and the public is encouraged to
attend.

Friends of Annapolis Parks is looking for volunteers to help with cleanup, plant flowers, shrubs and trees for the April 21 Greenscape project and future park projects.

They are also looking for a Landscape Architect and donations.

For more information on Friends of Annapolis Parks please visit www.friendsofannapolisparks.com

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