Latrobe Park: Olmsted's Legacy in South Baltimore

Come join this one hour walking tour of Latrobe Park in South Baltimore, organized as part of Doors Open Baltimore by the Baltimore Architecture Foundation in celebration of Olmsted 200, the Bicentennial of Frederick Law Olmsted Sr’s birth.

In 1904, the Board of Park Commissioners retained the Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architecture firm to provide a plan for the proposed Latrobe Park. Located in South Baltimore, the park still has traces of Olmsted design elements. Originally only 6 acres in size, this park was created to serve the working class neighborhoods on the Locust Point peninsula. Unlike much larger plans for Patterson and Clifton Parks also begun in 1904, what distinguishes Latrobe Park was the amount of active recreation that had to fit in a tight space in response to the Recreation and Playground movements in the early 20th century. Significant improvements to the park demonstrate strong community partnership and continued use. This past May, a bronze plaque honoring the Olmsted-design was dedicated at the park’s entrance and the first phase of the restoration of “The Longhouse” pavilion kicked off with a mural designed by a local artist and painted by the neighborhood community.

Special thanks to tour partners: Friends of Maryland Parks and Landscapes (FMOPL), Locust Point Civic Association, the Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (MD ASLA), and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

TOUR GUIDES:

Jillian Storms, AIA, serves on the FMOPL’s Board of Directors and its Archive Committee. She authored The Olmstedian’s “Latrobe Park” issue, and has been instrumental in developing investigative research opportunities into Maryland’s Olmsted projects. She also serves on the Doors Open Baltimore Committee and the Baltimore Architecture Foundation’s Executive Board, and co-chairs its Research & Publication Committee.

Ed Orser is a Professor Emeritus of American Studies at UMBC and former president of the FMOPL. He has taught and conducted research on the social and environmental history of Baltimore; his books include Blockbusting in Baltimore: The Edmondson Village Story and The Gwynns Falls: Baltimore Greenway to the Chesapeake Bay.

Cheryl Duffey is a Board Member for the Locust Point Civic Association and co-chairs its Parks & Beautification Committee.

Tour will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather!