Lower Stony Run Strategic Plan, Baltimore, MD

? Maryland Chapter ASLA Merit Award?

Purpose: The Strategic Plan serves as a framework to streamline stewardship along the Stony Run. Efforts to nurture the stream and adjacent park spaces have burgeoned organically, but a coordinated approach is needed to bridge existing gaps, enhance community accessibility, preserve woodland ecology, promote responsible park use, and synchronize stewardship initiatives.

Process: A robust public engagement process underpinned the planning phase, including meetings, tours, stakeholder interviews, an online survey, and a project website.

Goals: Five overarching goals emerged, emphasizing environmental preservation and community engagement:

? Protect and Enhance Ecological Systems

? Improve Park Connectivity, Accessibility, and Amenities

? Cultivate Partnerships, Programs, and Maintenance Initiatives

? Foster Educational Opportunities

? Integrate Frameworks for Climate Adaptation

Recommendations: The plan comprises 58 actionable recommendations spanning short- and long-term horizons. Many are ripe for immediate implementation by volunteer groups. Notably, five major capital projects have been earmarked to integrate the Stony Run Walking Path into the city’s trail network, catalyzing $1.5 million in state funding.

Implementation: The plan concludes with an implementation roadmap outlining priorities, lead partners, and supporting collaborators. This roadmap aids volunteers and officials in formulating strategic work plans aligned with the plan’s objectives.

For a deep dive, visit: Lower Stony Run Strategic Plan - Mahan Rykiel Associates