We're Just a Bunch of Neighborhood Moms

Nothing speaks to “community works” like a bunch of neighborhood moms who decide that a plot of open land bordering their homes would be a great place for a community park and playground. Their vision has been to evolve what is known as “Hospital Park” into a destination and meeting place for neighbors and hospital visitors, fostering an enhanced sense of community in the area.

The land sits between Trail Avenue, Seventh Street in Frederick and Frederick Memorial Hospital. Sparsely scattered with benches and odd shrubs, the park is owned and maintained by the City of Frederick, not the Hospital, as assumed by many. The original Hope VI* Project developer for the revitalization of the John Hanson and Roger B. Taney apartments included and made provisions to fund green space for residents; those funds were donated in 2009 by the City of Frederick and the Housing Authority of the City of Frederick to The Friends of Hospital Park at Trail Avenue Fund. As the economy struggled, the plans were put on hold. Many of the original “Friends of Hospital Park” committee members moved out of the neighborhood. But, other neighborhood residents decided to try birthing the project.

In the fall of 2010, the newly revived Friends of Hospital Park Committee met with the City of Frederick and Frederick Memorial Hospital. All parties were in support of the project, and with funding already in place, the committee set about obtaining plans, drawings, cost proposals and permits to build the playground section, or “Phase 1” of the park. Kenneth Wagester, a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City of Frederick, volunteered his time to assist with the development of the park plan. Playground Specialists, Inc., created the playground design, in cooperation with the City of Frederick’s Parks and Recreation Department., Installation began in the spring of 2011, and the playground, complete with a raised border filled with soft mulch, opened in May 2011 with a picnic celebration sponsored by the Hospital in July. “This is a win-win for both the neighborhood and Frederick Memorial Hospital,” said Thomas A. Kleinhanzl, President and CEO. “I love that the neighbors got together to make this happen.”

“We’re just a bunch of neighborhood moms who wanted a park and a place for our children to play.” said Amanda Forster, committee member. Jen Swafford, committee chair, commented about the wonderful cooperation from the City of Frederick’s Parks and Recreation Department. “They have been amazing and have supported this project every step of the way. If we can supply materials, they will provide the labor and installation. They worked with Playground Specialists on engineering details, and other aspects of the project.” Roelkey Myers, Deputy Director of the Parks and Recreation Department had equal praise for Jen and the committee. “Jen took the reins and the committee did not give up. It’s been a rewarding project for everyone involved.” Katie Slagle, committee member, said the playground has really brought the neighborhood together and is helping to create the community they all envisioned.

Hospital Park is a wonderful example of the community working together to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages. The committee is now gathering support and planning fundraisers to put the finishing touches on Phase 1, which includes additional benches, lighting, a tricycle and bike path, landscaping and fencing. Phase 2 plans include walking paths, landscape sculptures, checker board tables and benches. “Our intention is to create a place that is attractive to all ages and is a community gathering-spot,” said Jen. “Now we are starting to receive support from other people and groups who want to be involved and see this all come to fruition.”

*HOPE VI is a federally funded program implemented by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to transform and improve public housing.