Tench Tilghman Early Learning Play Space

The early learners’ area at Tench Tilghman Elementary/Middle School @tenchtilghmanems was once an asphalt pad enclosed by a chain-link fence, with no play equipment and only a few struggling weeds.

Recognizing the need for a safe, engaging play area for the preschool students, former principal Jael Samuel asked her community school partner, Southeast CDC, to join her in dreaming up a new space. Starting with a concept design drafted by landscape architects Envirocollab and engineers, Cityscape Engineering, the partners raised funding from Baltimore City Public Schools, Tench Tilghman EMS, and a Maryland State bond bill (thanks to Senator Mccray), and recruited Parks & People to help complete the design and installation. Thanks to the ongoing support of current principal Candace Purcell-Nixon, the team of collaborators, expanded to include muralist SolRaya Public Space and contractors Ruppert Landscape, transformed the small area into a vibrant play and garden space for students.