Our Parks
Mount Vernon and the immediately surrounding area is fortunate enough — to have not one or two parks to enjoy but — to have six separate parks that are beautifully maintained. Each park has a very special purpose. From children and pets to historic civic plazas, the parks of Mount Vernon are a wonderful attribute to our beautiful neighborhood.
Children's Park
The Mount Vernon Children’s Park, the first recreation area for families in the history of Mount Vernon, was a community-led effort culminating in the opening of the park in 2006. The community led the design and construction of the Children’s Park with support and contributions from neighborhood residents and businesses as well as foundations, cultural institutions and city agencies. The Children’s Park is located at northeast corner of Calvert & Madison Streets with the park open 7 days a week from 9am-8pm and locked every evening.
Howard's Park Dog Park
Located at 310 W. Centre Street (northwest corner of Howard & Centre Streets), the Howard’s Park Dog Park is a premier dog park providing a safe place to play for both small and large dogs. The 16,000 square feet of space includes dog drinking fountains, agility log, synthetic turf mounds, fenced in dog-runs with ADA accessible entrances and two rain-gardens to filter and clear stormwater runoff. It’s a fantastic space for dog owners and pets alike.
Mount Vernon Place
Mount Vernon Place Historic District’s East and West Mount Vernon Place and North and South Washington Place face onto four small parks that radiate from the monument. The parks, which have survived almost intact, are considered to be the finest existing urban landscapes by the beaux-arts architectural firm of Carrere & Hastings. A National Historic Landmark, Mount Vernon Place is one of the first examples in the United States of deliberate city planning to create a dramatic setting for an existing monument. The four parks surrounding the Monument are open year round and are the center of many activities and events throughout the year. Events in Mount Vernon Place are organized by the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy and are a highlight of the summer and holiday seasons.
Preston Gardens
Named after Baltimore Mayor James H. Preston, Preston Gardens is a recently renovated park located on St. Paul Place between Centre and Lexington Streets. The park beholds a lovely green space and was designed by the architectural firm of Carrere & Hastings.
Pearlstone Park
Designated by Baltimore City as a landscape amenity for Symphony Hall, the park’s site was dedicated Pearlstone Park in 1985 named in memory of Jack H. Pearlstone, Jr. It’s a great park for walking your dog.
Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden
Located at 1 W. Franklin Street (southwest corner of Charles & Franklin Streets), the Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden provides locals and visitors with an outdoor spiritual retreat within the city, while paying homage to Pope John Paul II, one of the 20th century’s true visionaries. The garden is open 7 days a week from 9 am until 3 pm. Please note that during inclement weather and on holidays, the Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden is closed to visitors.