Patterson Park exhibit covers urban tree canopy

by Mary Helen Sprecher
newsroom@baltimoreguide.com

It’s not the Golden Fences.
Tim Almaguer, executive director of the Friends of Patterson Park, wants to get that straight right away. This weekend’s exhibit, “Park Life/City Movement,” isn’t going to shut out anyone, unlike the recent project in the Mt. Vernon area of the city.
“(The exhibit in Patterson Park) is going to be the coolest thing ever,” enthuses Almaguer. “It is a cross between the Christo ‘Gates’ project in Central Park NYC and Andy Goldsworthy outdoor art - very neato stuff. It will bring many people to the park and really engage people.”
Th art project will not interfere with park use, he promises, and it will not obstruct views.
“Actually,” he notes, “it will be very beautiful and illuminating. “
This exhibition, which will be on display in Patterson Park on Saturday and Sunday, is part of the effort to raise awareness for the TreeBaltimore program as well as reinforce the importance of the tree canopy, city parks and green spaces. It is designed and created by Gensler Architects.
The primary elements are a meandering line of 3-foot wide red burlap ribbon running from the southwest park corner to the northwest park corner, a series of clusters of 2”x2”x6’ tree stake points running from the northwest park corner to the southeast park corner, and an area of sod landforms in a central event space where these two lines converge just north of the Boat Lake.
Family-friendly activities will be offered adjacent to the central event space on Saturday from noon-4 p.m. All parts of Patterson Park remain open and accessible for regular park use. The exhibit itself is free and open to the public as well.
According to Almaguer, volunteers will be needed to work in shifts to assist with set-up, breakdown and for keeping events running smootly. On May 8 and 9, volunteers can help with installation, and on May 12, can help with dismantling all pieces.
Volunteers are also needed on May 10 throughout the day for setting up, running, and taking down the tents, booths, etc. that will be used for the family-friendly event.
According to Almaguer, while the event is new to Baltimore, it is not the first time it has been offered.
“Similar events have occurred in New York City and Portland, Oregon,” he said. “This will bring positive exposure to Patterson Park and show that we are pretty hip.”
To volunteer for the event, or to get more information, send e-mail to volunteerplcm@gmail.com. Other information on the project is available by going to bmore-urbanforestproject.org, or by calling 410-467-4513.