Renovate, Reuse, Repurpose, Restore

A few years ago, MSA renovated the Bullpen Picnic area, adding these gorgeous red maples. 

The existing hardscape was improved with pervious brick pavers, establishing a surface that was easier to walk on and more absorbent of stormwater.

Lovely as this new area was, it was enhanced when the Garden of Greats was added this year.  Unfortunately, the pavers didn't work with the pedestals.

That would have meant a trip to the recycler for these very expensive, barely used pavers. Except they presented an opportunity to address a long-standing challenge on the other side of the campus (and save some serious $$$ in the process.) 

So the pavers were powerwashed, stacked, and shipped to M&T Bank Stadium for a new assignment in the hospitality village.

The area on the periphery of the stadium, dotted with purple tents and white picket fences on game days, is a popular option for groups attending Ravens games.

So popular that grass won't grow in some places.  This isn't from foot traffic alone.  Shade from maturing trees and poor drainage along Hamburg Street contribute to impossible growing conditions. 

Replacing sod every year was an expensive proposition.  And it didn't address the drainage or shade issues.  A permeable surface over a regraded, filtered base was needed.  So when the pavers became available, a creative solution was at hand.

Here you see LMC, our landscaping contractors, excavating the area to stabilize the drainage problem.  They apply a semi-permeable membrane and crushed stone as a base for the pavers.

Next, the pavers are tapped into place.  That's Bobby Brauns in the green shirt.  (Bobby was last seen installing the weather station on the south side with a cherry picker.  He's a true utility player.)

Because the pavers do not require mortar,  precipitation drains between them and is slowly absorbed instead of running off.

The team is really hustling to get this patio done.  Their goal is to have it in place before the Premier League soccer match on July 28th, followed by the Ravens Open Practice a week later on August 4th.

This represents a win on both sides of Camden Yards.  Our Bullpen Picnic pavers get a new home, and M&T Bank Stadium's hospitality village gets an attractive, environmentally sensitive upgrade that will last for years.