Druid Hill Park Black Pool, Tennis & Grove, Baltimore MD

For Baltimore Parks Capital Projects

Heritage Landscapes highlighted an important focus area of the park used by Blacks. For over four decades, until a 1956 integration policy came forward, black people were required to use a small area of this 700+ acre park. Following the Druid Hill Park Renewal Master Plan we identified specific projects to enhance use, character, function and social justice. The Memorial Segregated Pool and Tennis Court design and construction proceeded with a team of design professionals and Black artist Joyce J. Scott. The elements of the work include

  • Fill highly deteriorated pool and seed to turf
  • Repair and paint ladders and lifeguard chair metal frames
  • Rebuild changing building façade to recall former use
  • Construct quoined corner posts marked the missing pavilion
  • Gather neighborhood oral history for interpretation

Artist Scott designed a wave pattern on the roof of the changing building, and the multi-tone concrete walkway between oak grove and pool margins. The meandering coiled and woven rope pattern of paving is based on traditional African motifs symbolizing tranquility, safety and connections of community. To recall the era neighborhood outreach yielded photographs of swim meets and tennis matches, award badges and a trophy and memories. We learned that Pool Number 2 was the sole facility open to Black athletes and the group of tennis courts provided sufficient space for competitions. These memories and elements created the content for interpretive panels explaining the segregated history, and the positive impacts of recreation.

WORKS:

Former Segregated Pool, Tennis Courts and Oak Grove Renovation, with Art and Interpretation, 1999

TEAM:

Heritage Landscapes team lead, Joyce J. Scott, Artist, Kann& Associates Architects, EBA Engineering, Mortar & ink, Graphics, Environmental Systems Analysis Inc., EA Eng. Science & Technology, The Constellation Design Group, Engineering

QUOTES:

Great memories under difficult times “Despite the fact that we experienced racism and segregation, we still thrived to becomes honorable citizens of this community.” Elaine W. Brown, Competitive Swimmer, 1940s Pool Number 2