The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park Ltd. (FPVSP) supports the park by promoting stewardship through programming, sustainable recreation, and the preservation and restoration of its natural resources.

Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park Hires Executive Director

Ellicott City, MD. – The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, Ltd. (FPVSP) is proud to announce the hiring of a full-time Executive Director to further the stewardship and sustainable use of Maryland’s first state park.

David Ferraro, a resident of Ellicott City, MD and Maryland Resident Curator of a historic property in the park, will begin in the position in July 2019. Ferraro will be working with park management to increase resources for park infrastructure and programs, and to serve as a representative of the park’s diverse user groups in the planning and use of Patapsco Valley State Park.

Ferraro brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit administration; holding positions in history and culture museums in Baltimore and Washington DC. Mr. Ferraro has served in leadership positions in cycling and outdoor advocacy throughout the region, and as President of MORE (Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts).

“We are incredibly excited to introduce Dave as our new Executive Director. His experience combined with his passion for the park will ensure that our growth and positive impacts will continue to expand exponentially”. ​- Eric S Crawford, President FPVSP

Ferraro has also been a member of ​Maryland’s Land Preservation and Recreation Committee and a member of the Patapsco Heritage Greenway Advisory Committee. ​A longtime volunteer at PVSP, he is an avid kayaker, hiker, trail runner, and cyclist.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue in the tradition of service and stewardship of the Patapsco Valley.”​ – Dave Ferraro

Additionally, FPVSP is excited to announce an anonymous, multi-year donation that will fund the Executive Director position and grow the operational capacity of FPVSP.

“FPVSP has been a great partner with the park. The multi-year donation and the hiring of Dave will have wonderful impacts on the park, the staff, and of course our visitors.”- ​Rob Dyke, Manager, Patapsco Valley State Park.

ABOUT PVSP

http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/patapsco.aspx

Maryland’s first state park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres and eight developed recreational areas. Recreational opportunities include hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park’s many popular pavilions. The park is nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery.

ABOUT FPVSP

https://fpvsp.org

Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, LTD. is a 501c3 organization and is the official nonprofit of Patapsco Valley State Park. FPVSP supports the park by promoting stewardship through programming, sustainable recreation, and the preservation and restoration of its natural resources.

More than just a traditional playground, the Hollofield Play Space at Patapsco Valley State Park is the first of its kind in a Maryland State Park! This fully accessible, American Disability Act-compliant Play Space is designed to allow visitors of all abilities to connect to nature through play, exploration, and reflection.  With components made of recycled materials, the Play Space is sustainable, permeable, and low-maintenance.  The purpose of the Hollofield Playspace was to create a playground designed to allow a child with mobility challenges to be able to play with their siblings, friends or a parent.

We worked with Dr. Zosha Stuckey- Towson University, Professor of English and her student grant writers –  grants were received from Coldwell Banker Cares- Sally Griffin, John J. Leidy Foundation- Lu Pierson, The Finish Line Youth Foundation- Michael Lockard, The Community Foundation of Howard County, Beverly White-Seals, Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks, John Byrd and corporate sponsors were The Elkridge Furnace Inn- Dan Wecker and Williamsburg Homes- Bruce Harvey.

Hollofield Play Space is a collaboration between the Maryland Park Service and the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park.