In 2019, a paper was published in the University of Baltimore’s Journal of Land and Development that analyzed different ways to fund operations and maintenance at Patterson Park. That paper was based on research from different park systems, census data, fundraising literature, budget information and analysis of different surveys taken in Baltimore and elsewhere. This special series breaks down the subjects of that paper into easy to read blog posts that cover the vast majority of the concepts covered in that paper.
If you would like to read the entire paper, you can read it from this ScholarWork’s link.
The idea to create a special benefits district for Patterson Park appeared shortly after publication of Patterson Park’s 2016 Master Plan. The Master Plan made… There are a number of management models to choose from when setting up a special benefits district. Fortunately, Baltimore already has several special benefits districts… While our special series of articles focused on Patterson Park, there is little reason that the concept of special benefits districts could not help… Although the evidence suggests the public will support the creation of a special benefits district at Patterson Park, creating such a district should proceed… There is substantial evidence that creating a special benefits district to pay for parks will be supported. For instance, the Trust for Public Land’s LandVote… It is difficult to create a geographic boundary line that captures those that benefit park users and those that have increased property values due to… Baltimore does not utilize special benefits taxing districts specifically for parks, but has successfully created special benefits districts for businesses.[1] For instance, the Downtown Partnership and Waterfront Partnership manage two special business districts in Baltimore’s… As those who live near Patterson Park benefit from any improvements at Patterson Park, funding of improvements should be aimed at those individuals. Creation of… A study of Baltimore parks by Troy and Grove in 2008 confirms that those that own property in proximity to Patterson Park had higher… Those that would benefit from improvements at Patterson Park should be the ones included within the boundaries of a special benefits district. Such a… Creating a special benefits district at Patterson Park to pay for operations and maintenance is an intriguing funding mechanism given the limitations of the… Patterson Park has numerous permitted activities. The two most prominent permitted events are festivals that take place in the spring and summer and sports leagues… Charitable foundations have played an important role at Patterson Park over the last two decades. For instance, the Friends of Patterson Park has secured… Another option to raise funds to implement the recommendations in Patterson Park’s Master Plan is through charitable corporate giving. Typically, corporations give charitable donations… Considering the Recreation and Parks Department is underfunded to a large degree, alternative funding methods need to be explored to implement the recommendations made… We know that Baltimore’s parks system is woefully underfunded compared to other park systems in high density cities, but there isn’t a lot of…Executive Summary – Creating a Special Benefits District For Patterson Park
No. 17 – What would a special benefits district at Patterson Park look like?
No. 16 – Expanding the concept of special benefits districts for parks city-wide
No. 15- Proving the concept before creating a special benefits district at Patterson Park
No. 14 – Data indicates that creation of a special benefits district at Patterson Park would be supported
No. 13 – Proposed boundaries of a special benefits district for Patterson Park
No. 12 – Special benefits districts are not just for businesses
No. 11 – Advantages of creating a special benefits district for Patterson Park
No. 10 – Increased value of property near parks in Baltimore
No. 9 – Who would benefit from the creation of a special benefits district at Patterson Park?
No. 8 – What about creating a “special benefits district” to help fund operations at Patterson Park?
No. 7 – Permit fees will not supply needed operations funds to Patterson Park
No. 6 – Charitable foundations are an unreliable source of income
No. 5 – Corporate charitable giving is not likely to affect operations budgets at Patterson Park
No. 4 – Donations from individuals are an inefficient way to improve operations budgets at Patterson Park
No. 3 – Maintenance and operations spending at Patterson Park is well below the norm