Reimagined Playspace is part of larger improvements at Solo Gibbs Park

BALTIMORE, MD. (Wednesday, June 21, 2023) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP), Parks & People, South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, and City and State leaders to cut the ribbon on a revamped playground at Solo Gibbs Park.

The playground, a joint initiative between Parks & People and South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, aims to provide children of all ages with a safe and engaging outdoor space for activity play and imagination. Solo Gibbs Park Playground - originally constructed in 1979 - is designed with the highest safety standards in mind and now features brand new KOMPAN playground equipment at a cost of $285,000. The upgraded playground is part of Phase I of the Solo Gibbs Park revitalization project - a total investment of more than $5.25 million.

"Playgrounds are one of our biggest assets that provide our young people a place to fully grow into themselves, gather with their peers to keep active, build lasting friendships, feel a sense of belonging, and sharpen skills that will serve them for a lifetime," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "Rec Rollout is our commitment to providing all youth with safe, high-quality spaces to play in right near their homes and we will continue to improve and revamp our public spaces all across the city."

Youth from the Sharp-Leadenhall neighborhood helped design the playspace by selecting the new equipment and colors. Solo Gibbs Park Playground has a new carousel spinner, shell swing, junior spica, and aquila and rambler climbers.

"Rebuilding this playground has truly been a team effort. Playgrounds are a vital resource for Baltimore's youth to strengthen their physical, social, and emotional health. This is why it is important that we consistently assess the recreational needs of our communities," said Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Executive Director Reginald Moore. "We look forward to continuing to work with our community leaders and partners to provide top-notch recreational spaces for our residents."

This is the second playground ribbon-cutting celebration in connection with the City's Rec Rollout. BCRP's Rec Rollout includes playground ribbon cuttings and a series of groundbreaking celebrations announcing upcoming recreation center projects. The City is slated to announce upgrades at Ambrose Kennedy and Parkview Recreation Centers, and Myers Pavilion in the coming weeks.

For event registration, and to stay up-to-date with these events and more, visit bcrp.baltimorecity.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Recnparks.

About Baltimore City Recreation & Parks

Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP) is Baltimore's leading provider of affordable, year-round recreational activities. BCRP builds a stronger Baltimore one community at a time through conservation, well-being and social equity. BCRP manages and maintains 263 parks, 51 recreation centers, 25 miles of biking and hiking trails, and approximately 4,700 acres of parkland. To learn more about our programs and services, visit http://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/.