Frederick Youth Center
The Frederick Youth Center grew out of recommendations from the Downtown Safety & Services Initiative (DSSI), which identified the need for safe spaces, accessible support services, and positive opportunities for young people in downtown Frederick. In response, the Ausherman Family Foundation led a community assessment that engaged youth, service providers, educators, and community leaders to shape a vision for a youth-centered space designed around the needs and voices of Frederick County’s young people.
Today, that vision is becoming reality. Located at 300 Scotty’s Bus Lane, the Youth Center is a fully funded project scheduled to open in 2028. The facility will provide recreation, programming, and access to supportive services while strengthening connections between youth and the organizations that serve them. Through an active Youth Council, young people continue to help shape the project and ensure the center reflects their needs, interests, and aspirations. The project is complemented by the 12-to-24 Collaborative, a countywide network working to improve outcomes for youth and emerging adults across Frederick County.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS – FREDERICK YOUTH CENTER
South End Park
The South End Park project is helping lay the foundation for a future youth campus in Downtown Frederick. In partnership with the City of Frederick, the Ausherman Family Foundation is working to connect South End Park, the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, and the future Downtown Frederick Youth Center into a cohesive destination where young people can gather, recreate, learn, and access supportive services.
Although the Youth Center is not expected to open until 2028, improvements to South End Park are already bringing that vision to life. Current work includes renovating the park pavilion and enhancing site amenities to create a safer, more functional, and more welcoming environment for youth and families while supporting the long-term campus plan.
Check out the South-End Park Concept Plan.
Splash PoinT at Baker Park
The Splash PoinT at Baker Park is a community-led effort to create an interactive, ADA-accessible splash pad for children and families in Downtown Frederick. The project was inspired by Simon Turner, a young boy who loved water play and passed away in 2019. Created in his memory, The Splash PoinT will provide the only free public heat-relief amenity in Frederick County while creating a welcoming place for families to gather, play, and connect.
The Ausherman Family Foundation has supported the project through planning, design, permitting, fundraising, and construction coordination in partnership with the City of Frederick, The Community Foundation of Frederick County, Friends of Baker Park, and other community stakeholders. Together, these partners are helping create a vibrant community space that will serve Frederick families for generations to come.
Seventh Street Fountain & Park Renovation
In partnership with the City of Frederick and the Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Seventh Street Fountain Park Renovation project will work to restore the badly-degraded historic fountain located at the intersection of West 7th and North Market Streets. In addition, the surrounding park will be renovated into a more green, welcoming, safe, and comfortable public space. As part of this process, several community charrettes were held to gain suggestions and input, and to review the concept designs.
Catoctin Medical Center
The Catoctin Medical Center has served the Thurmont community for decades. To improve accessibility for patients and visitors, the Ausherman Family Foundation partnered with Catoctin Medical Center to support the installation of a new ADA-compliant entrance ramp and related accessibility improvements.
Through planning, funding, and project support the Foundation is helping ensure that residents of all abilities can access quality healthcare services in a safe and welcoming environment.
Carroll Creek Refresh
The Carroll Creek Refresh is a community-led effort to enhance the landscaping, appearance, and visitor experience along Carroll Creek Linear Park in Downtown Frederick. Through collaboration among the City of Frederick. Downtown Frederick Partnership, the Ausherman Family Foundation, local businesses, and community stakeholders, the project seeks to strengthen one of Frederick’s most beloved public spaces.
Through planning, community engagement, and design development, the project aims to enhance the beauty, functionality, and long-term vibrancy of Carroll Creek for residents and visitors alike.
Uplifting Public Art
Ausherman Family Foundation aims to beautify public spaces by catalyzing public art projects including murals, sculptures, kinetic art, and more. Many of these projects and their locations were outlined in the Public Arts Master Plan in partnership with Frederick Arts Council. We work in partnership with fellow nonprofits, businesses, residents, artists, and more to make these visions a reality.
Click here to see a full list of Completed Public Art Projects