The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, Ltd. (FPVSP) was formed in 1997 as a non-profit foundation to fund the preservation of the natural life within the Park and to enhance its grounds, services, and facilities for public benefit. These goals are achieved by maintaining Patapsco Valley habitat and trails, planting trees to restore riparian areas, removing harmful plant species, and providing sheltered meeting areas and interpretive displays.

The Patapsco Trail Fest, A Rally in the Valley is the trail event for all ages, abilities and user groups.  The event includes two nights of camping, guided hikes, paddling, a mountain bike race, ride and enduro, and a half and full off-road marathon.

The event is presented by the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park a coalition of nonprofits ( primarily ) including MORE, White Oak Running, Mountain Club of Maryland, Baltimore Canoe and Kayak Club, Adventures For The Cure, & Patapsco Heritage Greenway working in concert with the Maryland Park Service. We owe a huge thanks to all of our sponsors and vendors that support us!

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More than just a traditional playground, the Hollofield Play Space at Patapsco Valley State Park complements the environment through the use of simulated hollow logs, tree stumps, rocks, and toadstools.  With components made of recycled materials, the Play Space is sustainable, permeable, and low-maintenance. 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 while blending beautifully into the surrounding park. The Hollofield Play Space is a collaboration between the Maryland Park Service and the Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization credited with bringing many unique projects to fruition at the park.

The purpose of the Hollofield Playspace was to create a playground designed to allow a child with mobility challenges such as a wheelchair/braces etc to be able to play with their siblings and friends or a parent or wounded veteran or grandparent with mobility challenges to be able to play with their children or grandchildren by designing a playspace that is not only accessible to everyone but is designed to have features all can enjoy together including a custom surface.

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.

Nita Settina- Superintendent, Maryland Park Service headed up the project at the state level.

For National Trails day we teamed up with REI and the local Patapsco Rock Stars and cut in over a 1/2 mile of singletrack in the Mckeldin Area of Patapsco. The trail is an essential piece to help link up single track on both sides of the park. It now gives a road free alternative and connects some of the parks beloved trails. We are so grateful to have had such support from REI to help sponsor this local trail work day, as well as for all 150 volunteers that came out to help!

2019 Date To Be Announced Soon!

Cocktails for Trails is our annual cocktail party on the grounds of the beautiful, historic Elkridge Furnace Inn to celebrate and support Patapsco Valley State Park.

The park holds special memories for so many of us, whether those times involves fishing from its river, camping trips, family reunions, or a hike, paddle, run or ride on the 220 miles of natural surface trails at Patapsco.

You can be assured that 100% of your tax-deductible donation will be devoted to meeting park needs. In order to learn more about The Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, Ltd. and our group’s ongoing efforts, please visit our Facebook page.

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Cocktails 2018 Sponsor Form