Baltimore City wants to make Rash Field Park a better place to play ? and park.
The Parking Authority of Baltimore City this week issued a call for proposals to develop Rash Park Field. The submitted proposals will feature designs for the park located along the southern edge of the Inner Harbor and construction of an underground parking facility.
“We think that it could be a much more beautiful space, and that it could be much more functional, too,” said Pete Little, the PBAC executive director.
With additional parking an original part of the 2003 Inner Harbor Master Plan, the PBAC finished its underground garage feasibility study in June. The study indicates the entire Rash Field Park renovation project will cost in excess of $25 million.
According to Little, the PABC would like to see around 500 parking spots in the new facility but would be more than happy to make concessions on the number of spaces for better design features.
A 6.78-acre lot, Rash Park is made up of 3.62 acres of grass, sand and gravel and 3.31 acres of concrete and asphalt. The awkward composition is one of the hurdles facing potential developers.
“It?s a good idea to basically say, ?Here?s a creative challenge,? ” Little said. “Let the best and brightest we have to come up with workable ideas.”
Rash Park serves as a recrealtional spot for city residents. Active locals participate in beach volleyball leagues and pick-up games of soccer and football. Other events hosted there include Trapeze School, the Volvo Ocean Race and other cultural events. It?s also home of the Pride of Baltimore Memorial.
“Downtown, within a mile radius, there are more than 37,000 downtown residents who have taken advantage of Rash Field through volleyball leagues and other events,” said Mike Evitts, a spokesperson for Downtown Partnership. “We want to see those uses maintained.”
