The Patterson Park Pagoda: a garden of tranquility in Baltimore's oldest park

Abstract

The Patterson Park Pagoda (in Baltimore, Maryland, USA) was in a state of general disrepair from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s. It was restored to its original design following the finalization of the 1998 Patterson Park Master Plan and its reintroduction in 2002. A process of placemaking at the Pagoda by the Friends of Patterson Park (FPP) and their partners continues to beautify and maintain the historic landmark. This thesis explores the perspectives of the Pagoda held by docents, FPP partners, and staff. What do these perspectives tell us about how, and to whom, the Pagoda is important? Grounded theory methodology was used to analyze the data acquired in nineteen qualitative, in-depth interviews with volunteers, staff, and partners of FPP. Material, cultural, and emotional interrelated themes emerged creating various imaginaries. These imaginaries contribute to the revelation that the Pagoda is a garden island of tranquility in the passive recreation zone of Patterson Park.