During the 2015 Earth Stewardship Initiative(ESI), ESI Fellows had the opportunity to observe, study and contribute in a community-based research project in one of Baltimore's unique neighborhoods, Harlem Park. This neighborhood has experienced many revitalization projects and population loss since the 1950s. Overtime many of these projects were not completed or poorly administrated, which has led to a slow decline in the economy and community resiliency within this area. One of Harlem Park's unique features stems from its several inner block parks, which includes historical Lafayette Square. With the steady decline of people and resources over the last few decades, the Harlem Park community has been collectively addressing issues such as: housing development, sanitation, education, public safety, etc. With these undermining issues, the primary objective of current collaborative research efforts is to receive insight and perspective from various environmental entities and Harlem Park residents. The secondary objective was to provide the community with a community design that incorporated ecology, architecture, culture and social patterns that was gathered by all participating parties.
Results/Conclusions
Through a series of on the ground activities, the 2015 ESI fellows constructed a deliverable that provided a means to improve and create vibrant, sustainable green spaces that are welcomed by residents. Using performance and maintenance metrics, we considered community capacity and commitment, ecological conditions and cultural patterns distinctive the Harlem Park neighborhood.