Pimlico and the Community Celebrate New Turf Field and Track
June 12, 2026
On May 28, 2026 students, families, educators, elected officials, and community partners gathered at Pimlico Elementary/Middle School to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the school’s new turf field and four-lane running track–and mark the beginning of a new chapter for Pimlico students and families.
Designed to support physical education classes, sports teams, recess, afterschool programming, and community events, this field features space for football, lacrosse, and soccer. Along with the track, it creates even more opportunities for students to stay active, build teamwork and leadership skills, and engage in athletics and recreational activities throughout the school year.
The celebration included performances by the PEMS band and cheerleaders, student speakers, and remarks from school and city leaders, including:
- Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) President and CEO Laura Doherty
- Principal Nneka Warren
- Baltimore City Public Schools Chief of Communications, Engagement and Enrollment Tina Hike-Hubbard
- Baltimore City Councilmember Sharon Green Middleton, and
- Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott
Read excerpts from their remarks below.
Pimlico offers students a wide range of athletic teams, clubs, and enrichment activities, including flag football, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, track, robotics, theater, chess, wrestling, band, and Girls on the Run. During their remarks at the ribbon cutting, school leaders emphasized the important role extracurricular activities play in supporting attendance, student engagement, teamwork, and academic success.
During the event, speakers highlighted how physical activity and athletics help students build leadership skills, perseverance, collaboration, and school pride while strengthening connections between students, families, and staff.
The celebration concluded with an official ribbon cutting, a ceremonial student sprint around the new track, and a race with Mayor Scott, a former track athlete.
Thank yous
The project was made possible through the leadership and vision of Principal Warren, who carefully managed school resources and championed the project from planning through completion. BCP Director of Facilities Blaine Lipski was also recognized at the event for his guidance and support throughout the construction process.
Special thanks were extended to the many partners who helped bring the project to life, including Leading Design & Development, LLC (LDD Sports), ATC, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, and the BCP facilities and finance teams.
Media coverage
- Watch Mayor Scott run with PEMS students on this WBAL video.
- CBS News coverage
- WMAR
Excerpts from remarks:
“I grew up running in this neighborhood every single day — playing football, playing basketball, running track most specifically — and I know that it helped me grow into the person that I am. I learned how to push myself. I learned how to work as a team. I learned to do things I once thought were impossible, through athletics and sports. For you all to have this here at your school will just help you do that every single day.” — MAYOR BRANDON SCOTT
“BCP has a special place in my heart. I was on BCP’s board years ago before I even joined the school board. So I just want to say, from my heart, from City Schools, BCP has done amazing things for our kids, our communities, and our schools, and we thank you for your partnership.” — TINA HIKE HUBBARD, BALTIMORE CITY BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS
Thank you, students, for your continued push. Athletics is a great and important part of nurturing as you continue to be young adults. A lot of schools don’t get a chance to get things like this. Please take care of this field, use it — join those clubs, get involved in all the activities, because that is a part of the nurturing and growing that you continue to go through.” — SHARON GREEN MIDDLETON, VP COUNCILWOMAN, BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL
