Thursday, November 29, 2018

New Playground Piece Inspired by a 19th Century B&O Train is Coming to Federal Hill Park

South Harbor Renaissance (SHR) is in the midst of a final fundraising push to raise money for a piece to complete the historic-themed playground at Federal Hill Park. The “Campaign for the Train” will fund a custom-designed toddler playground installation inspired by a 19th Century train from the B&O Railroad.

SHR is a non-profit started by a group of Federal Hill neighbors in 2011 to spearhead improvements to Federal Hill Park. More than $700,000 in donations and grants have led to a new flag staff plaza, the restoration of the monuments of War of 1812 heroes General Samuel Smith and Colonel George Armistead, improved maintenance in the park, new benches, new trash cans, and a historic-themed playground.

The new playground, which replaced an existing one, was done in 2014. It honors local history with pieces replicating the Signal Hill Tower, Fort Federal Hill, the B&O Roundhouse Clerestory and Lantern, and the Federalist Ship.

Campaign for the Train is looking to raise $60,000 for foundation work and the newest playground piece that will replicate a B&O engine and dining car. The green and gray piece features a slide and areas for toddlers to climb and sit. The train will go on the southern portion of the playground. There are currently train tracks embedded in the rubber surface to show its future location.

The train has been designed and will be built by Playground Specialists.

SHR has more than $42,000 in commitments to date. This includes a $20,000 in funding from the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SGBP) which manages Local Impact Grants for South Baltimore from Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Maryland Live, and MGM National Harbor. SGBP has also taken over the funding of landscaping and maintenance in Federal Hill Park done by Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore.

SHR is hoping to have the train installed next spring and host a dedication on Flag Day on June 14th.

The SHR Leadership Team has 13 members, Campaign for the Train is being led by Co-Chairs Anne Apgar, Sandy Apgar, Tara Kirk Sell, Katie Landry, and Jon Wood.

SHR’s ideas for future projects for Federal Hill Park include a picnic table area and patio next to the Shed. SHR is interested in adding bathrooms for the public to the Shed, if they can be supervised

Rendering courtesy of Playground Specialists

Federal Hill Park playground photo courtesy of South Harbor Renaissance 



via https://www.southbmore.com/2018/11/29/new-playground-piece-inspired-by-a-19th-century-bo-train-is-coming-to-federal-hill-park/

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