Bolton Hill, a historic neighborhood in Baltimore, is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant community. Nestled within this urban tapestry lies a unique green space, John Street Park. Far from being a grand estate, this park, as described in a 1958 Gardens, Houses and People magazine article, is “a park seven row houses wide,” an intimate and charming haven embraced by its community. This “vest pocket” park, officially dedicated on September 10, 1955, stands as a testament to the power of citizen action and urban green space advocacy.
From Community Resistance to Urban Oasis: The Story of John Street Park
The genesis of John Street Park is deeply rooted in community activism. As Baltimore Heritage director Johns Hopkins explains, the park emerged from neighborhood efforts to resist aggressive “slum clearance” projects that threatened the character of post-war Bolton Hill. One particularly impactful threat was a plan to transform John Street into an entrance ramp for the then-planned Interstate 83. This potential disruption spurred residents to organize and protect their neighborhood.
Initially forming “Home Owners Against Housing Authoritarianism” (HOHA), residents of the 1300 block of John Street solidified their efforts by establishing the “Residential Protective Association” in 1952. For three years, this association tirelessly advocated for their vision, ultimately convincing the city to transform asphalt into a park. The video by Baltimore Heritage offers a visual journey into the park’s creation, highlighting this pivotal community action.
Alt text: Welcoming entrance to John Street Park in Bolton Hill, Baltimore, featuring brick walls and lush greenery.
A Park for Everyone: John Street Park’s Unique Charm
With a city investment of $10,258, contingent on the agreement of 13 families to maintain the space and allow emergency vehicle access, John Street Park became a reality. Sara Azrael’s 1958 description vividly captures the park’s multifaceted role in the community: “a thorn in the hide of taxi drivers who come to an impasse at the park, a blessing to mothers with children to air, a haven for the unleashed hound, an in-town sylvan picnic ground for sketchers, a nuisance to fire trucks and oil dispensers and a boon to the Good Humor man.” This playful yet insightful observation underscores the park’s integration into the daily life of Bolton Hill residents.
Nurturing a Neighborhood Gem: Community Stewardship and John Street Park Today
While residents initially championed park maintenance in the 1960s, upkeep became inconsistent in subsequent decades. However, in 1989, the formation of the John Street Park Association marked a revitalization of community stewardship. This association spearheaded renewed cleaning and planting efforts, ensuring the park’s continued vibrancy. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2005, John Street Park received further enhancements, including a charming three-tiered Victorian fountain surrounded by gardens, subtle low-ground lighting, and inviting Victorian-style benches.
Alt text: Elegant Victorian fountain centerpiece in John Street Park, surrounded by meticulously maintained garden.
Today, the John Street Park Association, led by officers Christina Lambert Pentino, Marie Wawer, Mark Pentino, and Monica Lavorgna, continues to foster community ownership. Residents from the 1300 block of John Street and beyond actively participate in the park’s care and enjoyment, ensuring that John Street Park remains a cherished green space in the heart of Bolton Hill. This “vest pocket” park serves as an inspiring example of how community initiative can create and sustain vital urban oases.
