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December 6, 2024
  • M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation Honors and Celebrates the Diverse Hispanic Community with Vibrant Events for the Community

    RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County announces the official lineup of events and programs for Hispanic Heritage Month 2025. From September 14 through October 15, the Department will host events celebrating the vibrant traditions and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans through interactive activities, live music, traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and a variety of family-friendly events.

    “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the diverse voices, stories, and contributions that strengthen the fabric of Prince George’s County,” said Darius A. Stanton, Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “We are proud to provide spaces where our community can come together, celebrate shared values, and learn from one another through culture, art, and connection.”

    The Hispanic community continues to grow in Prince George’s County, now representing 21.2% of the county’s population, according to a recent report by M-NCPPC, Prince George’s County Planning Department. Over the past two decades, this population has increased by 260.1%, a pace far outpacing the county’s overall growth. Most of the Hispanic population (65.3%) came from Central America, with Salvadorans making 44% of the total Hispanic population in the county.

    The following events are just a glimpse of what’s in store at the Department of Parks and Recreation. For a complete list of Hispanic Heritage Month offerings, please visit pgparks.com.

    Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Celebration

    Sunday, September 14, 2-5 pm

    Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

    5445 Landover Road

    Hyattsville, MD 20784  

    Join us for a FREE, family-friendly event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! The celebración will include an art exhibition and public reception displaying the works of artist Francisco Loza, the unveiling of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month poster by a local high school student artist, live music, dancing, arts and crafts activities for children, and light refreshments.

    Hispanic Heritage Month Community Day at Riversdale

    Sunday, September 14, 11 am – 4 pm

    Riversdale House Museum

    4811 Riverdale Road

    Riverdale Park, MD 20737

    Join Riversdale House Museum for a day full of fun for the community! Enjoy interactive, hands-on, and educational activities, and learn about resources in your community.

    Latinas in Aviation Global Festival

    Saturday, September 27, 11 am – 2 pm

    College Park Aviation Museum

    1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive

    College Park, MD 20740

    In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the College Park Aviation Museum and Airport are honoring Latina pioneers in aviation and celebrating Hispanic culture. This one-of-a-kind festival allows you to meet and hear from inspiring Latinas and learn about the magic of aviation. Enjoy demos & children’s activities, food, community art, bilingual story time, author meet & greets, and giveaways while supplies last.

    Fiesta de la Familia

    Sunday, October 12, 1-4 pm

    Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex

    8001 Sheriff Road

    Landover, MD 20785  

    Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by bringing family together. Enjoy live performances, children’s activities, food, music, exhibitors, and vendors for everyone to enjoy.

    About the Department

    With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.

  • Fall into Fun! M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces Events for September

    RIVERDALE, Md. – Fall into fun this September with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County with a series of exciting, family-friendly events that celebrate culture, history, and community. From live music and artisan markets to meaningful historical experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    Upcoming events include:

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    September 14- October 15

    Various Locations

    The community is invited to join the Department in honoring the vibrant traditions, history, and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The month-long celebration will feature lively interactive activities, live music, traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and a variety of family-friendly events.

    Family Health & Fitness Day and Athlete Showcase at SPLEX

    Saturday, September 27, 2025, 9 am – 3 pm

    Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex

    8001 Sheriff Road

    Landover MD 20785

    Discover the fun side of fitness! Enjoy this family-friendly day filled with fitness demos, group exercise demonstrations, fitness center tours, raffles, and giveaways. Performance testing will be available for all sports or athletes ages 13 and up.

    Unwine Festival

    Saturday, September 27, 11 am – 5 pm

    Patuxent River Park

    16000 Croom Airport Road

    Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

    Unplug, uncork, and unwine! The highly anticipated Unwine Festival returns to the scenic Patuxent River Park. Enjoy tastings of wines, as well as craft beers and ciders, all poured into a commemorative stemless wine glass. Dance or lounge to live music from noon to 5 pm, and stroll through offerings from over 20 local food and artisan vendors. Elevate your afternoon with the limited-availability VIP packages, offering an exclusive tent, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and prime stage views. Or gather your friends under one of the group tents for eight, complete with shaded comfort.

    Echoes of the Enslaved

    Saturday, September 27, 4 – 9 pm

    Montpelier House Museum

    9650 Muirkirk Road

    Laurel, MD

    Explore the lasting legacies of enslavement in Prince George’s County at Echoes of the Enslaved. This free, family-friendly event offers a meaningful commemoration of history, inviting guests to walk through the grounds of the Montpelier House Museum where the enslaved lived and worked, learn how archaeology helps uncover the stories of underrepresented individuals, and listen to reflections about how the legacy of enslavement continues to shape our world today.

    Celebrate Africa Festival

    Sunday, September 28, 1 – 6 pm

    Fairwood Community Park

    12390 Fairwood Parkway

    Bowie, MD 20720

    The vibrant Celebrate Africa Festival returns to Fairwood Community Park this September in honor of African Heritage Month. This cultural celebration highlights the history, contributions, and rich cultural traditions of the African immigrant community in the DMV region. Guests will enjoy live performances from KanKouran West African Dance Company, TolumiDE, and Coyaba Dance Theater, along with family-friendly activities, artisan vendors, and, new this year, a soccer clinic. Admission is Free and open to all ages.

    For more information about upcoming M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation events, visit pgparks.com.

    About the Department

    With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.

  • Major Aquatic Capital Improvement Project and Renovation at Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex Scheduled to Begin October 2025

    RIVERDALE, Md. — M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is excited to announce the upcoming start of a major aquatic capital improvement project and renovation at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex. The project is tentatively scheduled to begin mid- to late October 2025, with the competition pool as the first phase. This extensive project, strategically evaluated over the past two years, will include a two-phase, two-year approach designed to minimize service disruptions while maximizing time efficiency and cost effectiveness. It will include mechanical system replacements and measures to protect daily operations. Our goal is to enhance the quality and experience of the Department’s aquatic venues and amenities, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency in continuing to provide enjoyment for all our user groups and patrons.

    Project Overview

    The improvement project will include significant upgrades to the existing infrastructure of the competition pool, including demolition and reconstruction. Key components of the project include reconfiguration the groundwater drainage systems to support site dewatering, installing state-of-the-art filtration and heating systems, renovating the pool shell and deck surfaces, and enhancing surrounding amenities such as family changing rooms, locker rooms, showers, and fixtures in conjunction with accessibility upgrades. These renovations will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the aquatics facilities but also will ensure longevity and enhance functionality for years to come.

    Information for Our Valued Community

    We understand that this renovation project will impact our existing users, and we are committed to minimizing any inconvenience. To help patrons plan for the fall and beyond, we along with the contractor will:

    • Maintain open communication via email, social media, and public meetings to address any questions or concerns. Starting with In-Person and Virtual community engagement meetings to take place on Tuesday, August 26, In Person at 10 am at The Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex in our Town Hall Room, and Virtual at 6:30 pm via Zoom.
    • Provide a draft rendering of the final renovation design.
    • Share a tentative project timeline at pgparks.com.  
    • Provide constant updates through community bulletins and announcements that include video and photos of progress.
    • Communicate in advance and provide signage and construction site plan logistics for awareness and safety.
    • Offer access to alternative aquatic facilities and programs during the closure period.

    Our goal is to deliver a revitalized aquatic venue that will serve the community better than ever before.

    Looking Ahead

    M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is committed to investing in our community’s recreational resources. This major aquatic capital improvement project is a testament to our dedication to providing high-quality facilities that enhance health, wellness, and overall quality of life for all residents and user groups.

    We thank you for your patience and understanding as we embark on this exciting journey. Together, we can look forward to a future filled with enhanced recreational opportunities and a beautifully renovated aquatic venue.  The improvements will increase functionality, energy efficiency, reduce downtime, expand programming offerings, and enhance our ability to accommodate event requests and access for swim teams, practices, and competitions, particularly those serving youth and teens, both within the county and beyond.

    During this initial phase and with the anticipated closure of the competition pool beginning in October 2025, there will be some impacts to programming. This includes logistical and scheduling adjustments for programs such as the Senior Day Program, lap swimming, water walking, learn-to-swim, and water fitness classes. These programs will be relocated to the Leisure Pool.

    The Aquatics program and management staff will continue working diligently to adjust scheduling and logistics to support a wide variety of existing programs. Our goal is to minimize disruptions to patrons and preserve the user experience regarding pool availability. However, given the high demand and limited availability of the Leisure Pool, program adjustments and prioritization may be necessary.   

    In the coming months, we will provide regular updates and reminders to help prepare users for fall and winter programming changes to ensure a smooth transition during this renovation period. We invite you to visit any of our six indoor pools this fall-winter season for additional aquatic programs, services, and drop-in swim opportunities.

    Indoor Pools:

    • Allentown Splash, Tennis, and Fitness Park – 7210 Allentown Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
    • Fairland Sports & Aquatic Complex – 13820 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, MD 20707
    • Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex – 8001 Sheriff Rd, Landover, MD 20785
    • Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool – 6122 Sargent Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782
    • Southern Area Aquatic & Recreation Complex – 13601 Missouri Ave, Brandywine, MD 20613
    • Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center – 7011 Bock Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
    • Theresa Banks Memorial Aquatics Center – 8615 McLain Ave, Glenarden, MD 20706

    Stay updated by visiting pgparks.com and signing up for PGParks Alerts to receive notifications on your mobile device.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please email splex@pgparks.com

    About the Department

    With over 29,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for Prince George’s County residents and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will ensure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities, and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future.