The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on April 10 to mark the start of construction on Phase 2 of its makeover of Rash Field Park.“Celebrate this exciting milestone with Sen. Bill Ferguson, Mayor Brandon Scott and others who played a key role in making this pr oject possible,” the organization said in an invitation on eventbrite.com. “Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of our community’s growth and revitalization!”The $16.8 million first phase of the Rash Field renovation opened in November of 2021 and included 2.5 acres of recreational public space at 201 Key Highway, on the south shore of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Features include Jake’s Skate Park, a grassy overlook offering views of the downtown skyline and a variety of areas where children can play.The $18 million second phase will provide five acres of upgraded public space between Phase 1 and the Rusty Scupper Restaurant to the east. It will focus on recreation, wellness and leisure, with elements such as a large open lawn for field games or special events, extensive gardens, a beach and several walking paths, including a nature walk and a fitness trail with exercise equipment. Mahan Rykiel Associates is the designer of both phases.The Waterfront Partnership is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year as an organization dedicated to “enhancing and promoting Baltimore’s Waterfront,” and improving Rash Field Park has been one of its signature capital projects.Waterfront Partnership president Laurie Schwartz announced in January that she will retire on June 30. Her successor will be Dan Taylor, currently the Vice President of Business and Neighborhood Development at the Baltimore Development Corporation. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to start at noon on April 10.For the past two decades, “we’ve worked to create accessible, inviting and engaging public spaces,” the invitation said. “Breaking ground on the next phase of Rash Field Park is the perfect way to cap off the past 20 years of work as we get ready to move forward into the next era of Waterfront Partnership and the waterfront district.” ...read more read less