Erin Gutierrez
Research Assistant
Institute of Human Virology
725 West Lombard Street
Room S633
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone:	(410) 706-4648
Fax:	(410) 706-4694
Email: 	gutierre@umbi.umd.edu
www.ihv.org

Peter Little
Baltimore City Government

Colin Tarbet
Baltimore Development Corp.

 I would like to voice my support for eight volleyball courts in the new park proposed for Rash Field.  I have participated in the Baltimore Beach Volleyball program over the past four years and am amazed how successful it has been for the community.  I live in the Stevenson area of Baltimore County and work in Washington, D.C.  I feel that Baltimore Beach Volleyball has been very successful at attracting residents from across the region in one central location.  The Inner Harbor was designed to be a regional draw and Baltimore Beach fulfills this objective.  It is imperative to have an adequate number of courts for this activity.  I was turned down for games on Tuesday and Thursday nights this year for lack of space.  In order for the volleyball to continue in this location, there needs to be a sufficient number of courts for the program.  I realize that there are competing interests for the use of the park, but none proposed even comes close to the proven track record of Baltimore Beach Volleyball.  It has also been a wonderful experience for my daughter that plays on my team.  It is an activity that attracts all age groups and levels of players.  In addition, there is a large economic impact from the player’s patronage of the eating establishments in the area before and after the games.

 I would welcome the opportunity to talk to you about my experiences with the program.  I went to one hearing, but was unable to attend the last one.  Please consider the huge success of this program when making your decision on the number of courts proposed for the new park. Eight courts would be ideal!!!!

 Thank you,

 Jason Roth

Jason P. Roth
DHUD/OAHP
202-402-8373
202-708-5755-Fax

Pete.-

Good afternoon!  You and I have spoken a few times in the past about the redesign of Rash Field.  I have been somewhat hesitant in sending a formal letter/email to you in the early stages because I wanted to see how the architect's plans would reflect the needs and wants of the community.  First, I want to say that the redesign looks great and will be a great asset to residents and visitor alike.  However, I have to say that I hope that the open field does not turn into a haven for vagrants but is used to meet the needs of those that the park was redesigned to accommodate. 

As we have discussed, I am a huge fan of volleyball and play 2-3 times per week at Rash Field.  In speaking with Todd Webster late last week, I asked him how the meetings are going/have gone and what the latest was on the redesign.  He informed me that the architect's proposal includes 8 volleyball courts (more than we have now) but also indicated that there is discussion to reduce this number down to 6.  In reviewing the schematic, it appears that the volleyball courts are tucked close to the Rusty Scupper, they fit in nicely with the design, and do not consume the park. I am concerned about the discussion to reduce the courts down to 6. 

If you could have been at Rash Field this past Sunday, I think you would have witnessed what a tremendous asset beach volleyball is to South Baltimore and the City. Sunday is open play and all 7 of the courts were packed with people who ordinarily would not come out. Not only is this a huge benefit to the stores and restaurants located in the Harbor and Federal Hill, but it was amazing to see that much activity on a Sunday in one of the City's downtown parks. I believe that Todd has floated around figures that approximately 1500 people play volleyball at Rash Field each week and I can say from the people who are on my team and those for which I interact, a large share do not live in the City.  Furthermore, most of those same people had a negative image of the City prior to benefiting from what Baltimore Beach has to offer.  I think this speaks volumes in terms of trying to change the image of the City. 

You have heard hours of testimonies from people about the benefits to Baltimore Beach and I know you have heard most of what I have said, but I do hope you reconsider reducing the number of courts that will be available for beach volleyball as this will significantly reduce one of the most successful outdoor recreational activities that we have in the City at a time when it is picking up in popularity.  Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to further discuss this issue.  In the event that the volleyball exposure is reduced, I ask you to please explain to all of those who have invested a great deal of time and energy to this effort about why the decision was made. 

Sincerely,

Nelsie Smith
301-404-3566 cell
15 W. Barney Street
Baltimore, MD 21230

Dear Sirs,

I’m writing today in response to the Rash Field Schematic Design by Ziger/Snead Architects and Tom Balsley Associates - July 19, 2007 presented at the Baltimore Development Corp. (BDC) meeting on the redesign of Rash Field. But before I proceed, perhaps it’s best that I introduce myself. After all, the issue central to a debate of this nature involves the question—whose opinion really matters? Do Baltimore city residents matter? Do local professionals matter? Do active individuals in the community matter? Do families matter? Does big business matter? These things must be considered; how these opinions are weighed may determine if the vision put forth by BDC is achieved at Rash Field. 

So what about my opinion? Well, my name is Jody Costa and I am a resident of South Kenwood Avenue over by Patterson Park/Canton. I’ve lived in the city for over a year and before that was always traveling in from Towson, where I grew up. I currently work in Columbia as an acquisitions editor at Marketplace Books, a small press that publishes some of the top minds in the trading and finance arena. I love travel and am fortunate that my vocation has let me see some of the top cities in the world just this past year: London, New York, Chicago, etc. I am active in my community and care deeply about the development taking place in the city. I am an Orioles and Ravens fan and have enjoyed tending bar in some of the top tourist restaurants (Della Notte and the Rusty Scupper). Oh, and one more thing, I play volleyball.

While this is only my second year playing at Baltimore Beach, I can’t envision Rash Field without those sand courts! Urban beach volleyball may be one of the most unique and engaging activities I’ve ever seen, in any city. This year I’ve become even more involved—I play 3 leagues and have met many new people, plenty who are trying out the sport for the very first time. Friends from Federal Hill and Canton and Fells Point, getting outside, enjoying the sun, sand, and harbor, then patronizing the local restaurants for some much needed food and beer. Visitors from out of town stopping by on their way from the Rusty Scupper to watch a game or two and take in the view. The Toyota Pro East Tour stopping here and bringing visitors from all over the country. This is what it’s all about. This is the vision—a vibrant, active Rash Field; a world-class recreation area; and a strong connection between community and Inner Harbor!

We need the parking, but we also need to recognize the positive impact that Baltimore Beach has had on the area and will continue to have if you give it a future. Do not throw this opportunity away. We already have plenty of parks, dog parks, grassy parks, parks with paths, and parks with flowers… what we need is a vision. You’ve heard my opinion. Now the question remains, will my opinion matter? 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best wishes,

Jody