By Devon Douglas
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a charity neighborhood organization in Patterson Park has been hosting a wide range of virtual events to lift residents’ spirits and provide normalcy.
Nationwide, coronavirus infections have spread rapidly, forcing officials to place restrictions on establishments. But Friends of Patterson Park created an agenda filled with virtual and in-person events for residents to escape the stress of the pandemic. Activities include everything from Salsa and Yoga to safe walks through the 140-acre, 193-year-old park.
“We realized that we needed to find a way for people to enjoy the park safely,” said Kathleen Long, program director. “We wanted people to still be able to live a normal life during the pandemic.”
Long said the group immediately began work on the agenda at the start of the pandemic. The park has long been a popular site for residents. Members and park residents decided to host virtual events to keep the “park’s spirit” alive.
Hosting virtual activities and events was introduced by Long and further developed by head staff members. All events and activities are free and available through Facebook page such as Zumba, dance parties for women and girls, Pilates and mindfulness sessions. Yoga and dance fitness classes are among the most popular Long said.
“People love the events we hold because they can enjoy themselves without thinking about everything that’s happening right now,” Long said.
The Friends of Patterson Park is a charity neighborhood organization that promotes safety and build community trust around the park that was established in 1827 after William Patterson donated six acres of land to the city to create a public walk like those he’d seen traveling in Europe.
In 1850, the city added another 29 acres when officials purchased them from Patterson’s heirs. Then another 30 acres of land were purchased, and park structures were built like those in Central Park. Currently, the park stretches 140 acres and is one of the largest open spaces in Baltimore.
Long explained that initially, Patterson Park was used as an open space for public walks and had nothing that stood out about it. In 1905, however, recreational design for the eastern section of the park began to keep the park healthy and vital. Over time a public pool, sports fields, and playgrounds were added as community populations increased.
The neighborhood organization was created in 1998 and has more than 1,000 active members who mainly reside in the century old homes that surround the park. They have an office located at the park’s South Patterson Park Avenue entrance. The Baltimore City Recreation and Parks as well as local community members work with Friends of Patterson Park to continuously produce plans that are funded by sponsors and grants.
“Robberies and car jackings are common in this area,” said Long. “It was a lot worse in the past but since our organization began holding events and activities the crime has slowed down.”
Before the pandemic, the organization hosted many events annually. Long said kids’ day is one favorite along with family fishing in June. Concerts were held during the summer, a lantern parade celebrated at Halloween, and the lighting of the Patterson Pagoda was popular in December. The pagoda is a Victorian tower designed in 1890 for observation of the city by Charles H. Latrobe, then superintendent of parks.
“The park was used by just residents in the past,” Long said. “Our events have brought in people from other parts of Baltimore and the park has become a city attraction for visitors because of all that we offer.”
Long said another agenda may be developed because Baltimore City is reentering phase one with an expected surge in COVID-19 cases.
Gov. Larry Hogan said Maryland has reported more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases daily in multiple weeks. Baltimore city officials have reported 19,500 coronavirus cases with 499 confirmed deaths.
“The virus is unpredictable and spreading rapidly around this area,” Long said. “However, we still [want] to bring people joy but do it safely.”
A few activities, like Salsa and Yoga, are still being held in person. However, with Maryland reentering Phase one, the classes will be limited to no more than 10 people. Masks are required to be worn and social distancing of 6 feet must be maintained, officials said.
Patterson Park residents said they appreciate the organization’s efforts.
“Their organization runs almost everything at the park and from what I’ve seen they’ve really stepped up during the pandemic,” said Patterson Park resident Tevin Taylor. “I don’t go to their activities, but I always see other people enjoying themselves at the events and that’s what people need right now.”
Organization member Caleb Christian favors the mindfulness sessions.
“I love coming to the mindfulness sessions,” Christian said, “they’re exactly what I need to stay sane. I attend the virtual and in-person yoga sessions sometimes with my girlfriend and we love getting out of the house when we’re able.”
Long declared the events a success.
“We’ve gotten a lot of positive emails from people and they’re appreciative for the effort we’ve put in,” Long said.
She added, “The best email I’ve gotten was from a protective mother who wouldn’t let her kids go to the Patterson anymore because of the virus. However, she and her kids started coming to the virtual dance parties and they absolutely love it.”
Long said the Friends of Patterson Park plan to continue monitoring the COVID-19 restrictions closely and want to come up with new ways to distract the residents and visitors of the park.
“We have some really good ideas for the future if this continues,” Long said. “We just want to help people enjoy the park and get through this difficult time.”