Baltimore, Maryland
Harbor Heron
A giant Chesapeake heron rises from a wetland-inspired play landscape, with climbing nets woven through its legs, slides tucked into its wings, boardwalks, reeds, water play, and a high lookout over the park.
Why it exists
A city parks department has identified an underused section of a waterfront park and wants to create a destination playground that feels unmistakably local.
Children and families have already identified three themes they love: birds, marshes, and water.
A regional playground design firm has created an early concept and preliminary budget. The missing ingredient is capital.
The readiness checklist
Land
1.3 acres of city-controlled parkland identified.
Public partner
City parks department participating.
Community
Initial child and family design workshops completed.
Builder
Qualified destination-playground design/build team attached.
Concept
Preliminary concept complete.
Budget
Indicative project budget prepared.
Maintenance
City parks department would maintain the site.
Funding
No philanthropic capital committed yet.