MMD Selected for New Frederick Douglass Park Design

The Department of Parks and Recreation, and Department of Economic Development and Tourism for Talbot County, Maryland have selected a transdisciplinary design team to create a park dedicated to native son Frederick Douglass. The team of LSG Landscape Architecture, The Design Minds and Michael Marshall Design have been tapped to create a master plan and interpretive plan for this new destination.

The winning team was selected for its interpretive design focus, multidisciplinary approach, and collective design strength.

Rounding out the team will be Clark-Azar, providing civil engineering evaluation and planning; The Ottery Group, providing archaeological and cultural resource studies; and Environmental Systems Analysis, Inc., advising on the site’s natural resources.

“They brought everything to the table that we were looking for regarding the comprehensive design and interpretive design,” said Corey Pack, president of the Talbot County Council.

Added Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Economic Development and Tourism for Talbot County, “We’re telling the stories of Frederick Douglass and the Tuckahoe watershed in tandem. This is a great opportunity.”

Frederick Douglass, considered to be the father of the American Civil Rights Movement, was born in Talbot County, Maryland in 1818. Born into slavery, he escaped, eventually becoming a prominent leader of the abolitionist movement. His writings are universally regarded as classics and powerful narratives of the anti-slavery movement.

“We are honored to have been selected and proud of the talent we are bringing to this important project,” said LSG Landscape Architecture principal Mark Gionet. “It is a privilege for us to work with the Talbot County community to create a place that will educate and inspire future generations of visitors.”

“Successful interpretation – especially for a story as important as that of the abolitionist movement – will allow visitors to make personal connections to the story and the place,” said Mike Lesperance of The Design Minds, Inc.

Added Michael Marshall, “As an African American architect, I am particularly proud to be part of this team, working to bring greater awareness of the importance of this place, and to what we can continue to learn from the teachings and legacy of Frederick Douglass.”

The destination will connect contemporary visitors to a rich and vital heritage. Work on the project is slated to begin immediately, with an anticipated completion of mid-2020.

Read the press release here.