The Parks & People Foundation is a community based non-profit developing innovative solutions to issues facing Baltimore City, including restoration of neighborhoods, their natural resources and enrichment programs for youth. Since 2008, Mary Hardcastle and Ryan Patterson, on behalf of Parks & People and with support from the Department of Recreation and Parks, have been building temporary Natural Play Spaces at city festivals to inform people about the importance of free and unstructured play for children, and to provide inspiration and resources for residents. The photos feature playgrounds at these events, as well as Patterson’s own vacant lot restoration playground behind his city rowhouse.

Compiled by Mary Hardcastle and Ryan Patterson
Images courtesy of Mary Hardcastle, Ryan Patterson and The Parks & People Foundation