Who We Are: Parks & People

Since 1984, Parks & People has believed that parks are for people. Our mission is to improve Baltimore through green spaces and education. We assist communities in improving the physical, social, and environmental quality of their neighborhoods by enhancing and providing access to green spaces, as well as creating youth programming opportunities for Baltimore City youth.

Our Focus: Developing green spaces in Baltimore and educating our youth

Parks & People develops parks and green spaces across Baltimore City and offers youth programming to guide the next generation of green stewards. Our efforts are concentrated on transforming abandoned lots and community spaces into safe outdoor parks and gardens, improving playgrounds, and enhancing outdoor educational spaces for kids. We then keep the minds and bodies of our youth engaged in learning through our youth programs.

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Our Programs: Youth Education and Development

Currently, we provide two youth programs, Branches and SuperKids Camp. Our programs engage over 750 city 1st–12th graders, in meaningful programs emphasizing physical activity, environmental education, college and career readiness, and character development. Our programs:

Provide safe, supervised access for kids to be outside and gain physical skills in our city’s parks.
Use our parks to deepen the connection of city youth and adults to each other and their environment through hands-on education and community service.
Instill attributes of teamwork, responsible decision-making and collaboration for all our youth participants.

SuperKids Camp: STEAM Summer Learning

SuperKids Camp is a free summer camp for Baltimore City rising 1st-5th graders with a focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) to keep children learning and developing new skills through the summer.

Branches: Workforce Development program

Branches is an innovative year-round workforce development program that emphasizes mentorship and relationship-based learning, offering a combination of project-based environmental education, financial literacy, and college readiness training. This paid internship is open to Baltimore high school students.

Benefits of Our Work: Health, Safety, and Community

Our work ensures that Baltimore City residents have access to safe, green spaces that improve their quality of life. These spaces help mitigate environmental damage caused by the urban heat island effect, lowering temperatures and improving air quality, while also providing places for social interaction and community building.

Celebrating Success: 40 Years of Parks & People

Since 1984, Parks & People has provided 100,000 Baltimore City households with safe outdoor spaces. We have worked with residents and community partners to identify and meet the needs of neighborhoods, transforming abandoned lots and improving playgrounds and educational spaces. Our youth programming currently serve 750 students annually.