Behind the Spires: City Update for 05.13.2026

Episode 37: Hill Street Skatepark, Jonathan Whitting

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Jonathan shares why the existing skate park is being fully rebuilt. Learn how the city partnered with world‑renowned designers Grindline Skateparks, how community input is shaping features like skateable art, accessibility, and flow, and what upgrades are coming to the Park, including a new pump track, revitalized fields, and enhanced amenities. With insights into the design‑build process, public engagement, federal grants, and long‑term maintenance planning, this episode highlights the future of Frederick’s skate scene and the city’s investment in high‑quality recreational spaces! Plus watch never before seen footage of Tony Hawk Skating at the Hill Street Park Skatepark in 2011!👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.govStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!

Behind the Spires: City Update for 05.13.2026

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- SECURE - frederickmd.gov/secure - Budget - frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- Mayor's Give a Day in May - frederickmd.gov/giveaday- Parking - frederickmd.gov/parking- Weinberg Center for the Arts - weinbergcenter.org- Fair Housing Commission - cityoffrederickmd.gov/131/Fair-Housing-Commission- Volunteering - hhs.cityoffrederickmd.gov/161/1737/Volunteering- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Episode 36: Sustainability, Jenny Willoughby & Lauren Paulet

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation! Join us with Jenny Willoughby and Lauren Paulette from the City of Frederick Sustainability Department as they break down what sustainability really means, from pollinator protection, Bee City USA Frederick, and native plant gardening to the city’s expanding composting program, clean water initiatives, and climate resilience work. Learn how Frederick’s new Climate & Energy Action Plan supports environmental equity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens vulnerable communities. Jenny and Lauren also share practical tips on native plants, supporting pollinators, bird habitat, and simple actions residents can take to make their homes and neighborhoods more sustainable. Whether you're interested in composting in Frederick, creating a pollinator-friendly yard, or getting involved in local sustainability events and outreach, this episode is packed with ways to protect the environment and build a greener Frederick. 👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.gov 👉 Check out Sustainability: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/891/SustainabilityStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Episode 35 - LIVE | Mayor Give a Day in May

Join us Behind the Spires for a special LIVE episode at Frederick's City Hall as we kick off the Mayor’s Give a Day in May community service initiative. City employees, volunteers, and Blessings in a Backpack Frederick come together to pack weekend meal bags for students facing childhood hunger and food insecurity in Frederick. Join Ed and Molly as they talk with organizer Shana Knight about volunteer opportunities, Mayor Michael O’Connor about the importance of community service and civic engagement, and Dr. Ashley Waters about how Blessings in a Backpack supports local families, weekend meals for kids, and the growing need in our community. 👉Learn how to get involved, make an impact, and support volunteering in Frederick throughout May at FrederickMD.gov/giveaday. Stay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Episode 34 - City of Frederick Council Member, Sarah Hempel Irani

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us for a conversation with Council Member Sarah Hempel Irani, artist, sculptor, and representative of Frederick’s District 5. She shares her journey from moving to Frederick as a young sculptor to creating the iconic Claire McCardell statue on Carroll Creek and ultimately running for the City of Frederick Council. She talks about the creative community, neighborhood identity, street safety, affordable and “price‑appropriate” housing, and the importance of supporting artists through studio space and cultural investment. Sarah also highlights the unique neighborhoods of District 5, ongoing discussions about zoning, density, and housing needs, and how residents can stay engaged through NAC meetings, City Minutes updates, and direct communication with Council Members.This episode offers an inspiring look at public service, community connection, and the role of the arts in shaping Frederick’s future.👉 Learn about your city council: frederickmd.gov/citycouncil👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory