Patterson Park is one of the oldest parks in Baltimore and is affectionately known as “The Best Backyard in Baltimore”. Though it wasn’t formally introduced as a park until 1853, Patterson Park has played a vital part in the life of the people of Baltimore. On September 12, 1814 people from all over Baltimore rallied to protect the city from British invasion. They gathered on Hampstead Hill as the British bombarded Fort McHenry from the Patapsco River and gathered forces at North Point. When they saw the 100 cannons and 20,000 troops waiting for them the British fled.. Since then the grounds have become a popular gathering spot. Hampstead Hill is now marked with a pagoda, which has become a major focal point of Baltimore City. During the Civil War the Park was used to house Camp Washburn and army hospital, Camp Patterson.

The park now has grown to include pavilions, play ground and fields.  The National Football League donated money to create Utz stadium for soccer and football.  A pool, enclosed ice skating rink, tennis courts and recreation center help to make this park stand out from others in the city. For those looking for a little bit of the past there is a marble fountain, row-house facades, a clock tower, boat lake and gazebo. A community garden is available for $20 per year and open for residents to plant vegetables and flowers to their heart’s content.

Patterson Park Audubon Center hosts bird walks there the last Saturday of the month. Some common birds include- Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, various ducks, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Great Horned Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Carolina Wren and Black and White Warbler.