Now Woodberry Woods has again gained national recognition, this time as a Great Public Space, by the Project for Public Spaces. Local activists, bent on keeping the woods undeveloped, sought the designation. A substantial portion of the woods, owned by the City of Baltimore, is slated to be developed for sports facilities by Loyola College, pending final City Council approval.
The Project for Public Spaces, a nonprofit, aims to help people “create vibrant places that strengthen communities and revitalize cities, parks and plazas, streets and transportation, public buildings, and public markets.” It has been operating for 27 years, and has worked with about 1000 communities in 12 countries, offering training and education, publications, guidance in planning, and other services and support.
Visit pps.org for an overview of the organization’s work, and see pps.org/gps/one?public_place_id=614 for information about Baltimore’s Woodberry Woods.