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December 6, 2024

  • New Chief of Park Police Announced by Dept of Parks and Rec., Pr. Geo. County

    Riverdale, MD – The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is pleased to announce the confirmation of Germaine Haywood as its new Chief of Park Police. With an illustrious career spanning 19 years with the Department and a proven track record of leadership, Chief Haywood brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this vital role.

    Department Director Bill Tyler expressed confidence in Haywood’s ability to lead the Park Police into a new era of effectiveness and accountability. “I am delighted to confirm Germaine Haywood as our new Chief of Park Police,” stated Tyler. “His passion for serving the community, coupled with extensive experience, make him the ideal candidate to lead our park police force.”

    Having served in various capacities within the Park Police, Haywood has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public safety and community engagement. Since his arrival in 2005, he was assigned to various specialty units to include Investigations, Tactical Services, Rapid Deployment Team, Potomac River Waterfront, and Motors. In 2013, Chief Haywood was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In that role, he was assigned to Patrol Services, Southern Area, Potomac River Waterfront Unit, the Rapid Deployment Team, and the Motors Unit.

    In 2016, Chief Haywood was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In that role, he managed all aspects of the Police Department including Patrol Services, Canine Unit, Investigative Services, Staff Services, Technology Services, Property, Records Management, and Communications. In 2020, Chief Haywood was promoted to Assistant Chief/Captain as the Director of Field operations. During the onset of the global Covid-19 Pandemic, he flourished while managing Field Operations, Mounted Unit, Canine Unit, and the Potomac River Waterfront Unit.

    Chief Haywood has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). He has numerous professional training certifications from various law enforcement leadership programs, including IACP’s Leadership in Police Organizations and the Greater Chesapeake Law Enforcement Executive certificates.

    Chief Haywood is a proud husband and father of two. When not in uniform, he spends his time coaching multiple sports and being active in various boys’ and girls’ clubs where he mentors youth to make positive impacts in their lives and community.

    In accepting the appointment, Haywood emphasized his commitment to collaboration, transparency, and innovation in law enforcement. “It is an honor to serve as Chief of Park Police for the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County,” said Haywood. “I am dedicated to working closely with our officers, county officials, and community members to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”

    The Department looks forward to Haywood’s leadership and is confident in his ability to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in law enforcement. His dedication to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community aligns seamlessly with the Park Police motto ‘Because We Care’.

    About the Park Police

    The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division consists of 136 authorized sworn personnel, 35 civilian employees, and approximately 40 volunteers. The Park Police Division ensures the safety of park patrons and facilities 24 hours a day through crime prevention, apprehension, enforcement of criminal and motor vehicle laws, and enforcement of park rules and regulations. Learn more at https://www.pgparks.com/safety-policy/park-police 

    About the Department

    With over 28,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and more – 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 residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s facilities and programming continue to evolve and expand to keep pace with the needs of its vibrant community. For more information, visit www.pgparks.com 

    Media Contacts: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

    Lt. Galvin Savoy, 301-887-7039

  • M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Honored with Historic Preservation Award

    A significant moment for the Department’s Historic Preservation Unit

    Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

    Riverdale, MD – Today, the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County’s Historic Preservation Unit has been honored with the 2024 Maryland Preservation Award for “Outstanding Stewardship by a Government Agency.” The Historic Preservation Unit is a small team of specialists within the Natural and Historic Resources Division of the Department.

    In an outdoor ceremony at Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale – dignitaries, elected officials, historians, and community members gathered to celebrate and honor the Department’s laudable preservation successes over the past five years. Presenting the award was Elizabeth Hughes, Director of the Maryland Historical Trust. Also participating in the event were Senator Malcolm Augustine and Delegate Jamila Woods. 

    “This award highlights the distinguished work of a vital part of our team who enrich our community through their skillful and determined preservation work, preserving and protecting the cultural and architectural heritage of our historic properties.” – Bill Tyler, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County

    The Historic Preservation Unit manages one of the nation’s most distinctive publicly-owned concentrations of historic assets — 14 are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 7 are subject to Maryland Historical Trust Easements, and two are National Historic Landmarks. The unit’s portfolio of nearly 50 sites (with more than 175 structures) includes museums, historic houses, monuments, chapels, mills, and cultural landscapes. Recent preservation success stories at projects like Darnall’s Chance Museum (c. 1742), Marietta House Museum (c. 1812), Surratt House Museum (c. 1852), and the Bladensburg Peace Cross (c. 1919) exemplify years of steadfast preservation work. 

    Projects range from interpreted museums like Montpelier House, Riversdale House, and Ridgely Rosenwald School to historic homes that have been repurposed into special event venues such as Oxon Hill Manor, Snow Hill Manor, and Newton White Mansion. Historic mills, chapels, monuments, archeological sites, outbuildings, and cultural landscapes are also part of the portfolio. Historic programming at these sites develops and shares previously underrepresented stories. Tens of thousands of people visit these restored properties every year.

    “This is a significant moment for our Historic Preservation Unit, which is widely respected for its authentic restoration and rehabilitation work — and also for its practical approach to adaptive use, as well as advocacy and education efforts.” – Edward Day, Chief Historic Preservation Officer

    To learn more about the Department’s preservation projects, visit pgparks.com/activities-events/history/historicpreservation.

    About The Department

    With over 28,000 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 residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will assure 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.   

  • M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Joins KABOOM! in National Initiative to End Playspace Inequity

    25 in 5 Initiative Aims to Ensure Every Child Has an Amazing Place to Play

    MEDIA CONTACT:

    Angel Waldron | 301-446-3311 | Angel.Waldron@pgparks.com   

    Jordan Hebert | jhebert@kaboom.org

    RIVERDALE, Md. – Today, KABOOM! announced The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, as a partner in the national nonprofit’s 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, the five-year plan to achieve playspace equity in 25 priority places, accelerating progress towards achieving their mission across the country.

    Through the 25 in 5 Initiative, KABOOM! and The Department will lead an ambitious plan to address gaps in access to quality places to play in communities that disproportionately lack recreational resources. There are more than 245 playgrounds across Prince George’s County, with more than a third past their useful life and in need of immediate repair. Together, through 25 in 5, the partners will be able to replace the playgrounds at a faster rate to ensure every child has a safe, high-quality, and fun place to play.

    Today’s announcement builds upon M-NCPPC’s Formula 2040: The Master Plan for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space that strives to achieve connectivity, health and wellness, and economic development in Prince George’s County. The partnership with KABOOM! aligns well with Formula 2040, helping to support the well-being and health of kids and their communities as we work toward playspace equity in the County.

    “This is an opportunity for our community to have a wonderful new playspace for our children to enjoy and experience, and I am thrilled to see Prince George’s families get more of the facilities that they deserve right here in the County,” said Delegate Jazz Lewis.

    Prince George’s County is the sixth location announced as an official partner in the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, joining Baltimore, MD; San Francisco, CA; Atlanta, GA; Uvalde, TX; and Saint Paul, MN. The Department and KABOOM! have been working together since 2020 and will now accelerate progress through the 25 in 5 Initiative to support the urgent needs of kids in Prince George’s County. Leveraging data from both National and County sources, the partners will ensure the playgrounds built are in the areas identified as having the most significant and immediate needs.

    The partnership was announced at the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the new playspace at Oakcrest Community Center in Capitol Heights, MD, on Friday, May 3rd. Representatives in attendance included Josh Morgan, Washington Legend; Washington Commanders representatives; Mark Washington, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Education; State Senator Joanne C. Benson; Delegate Jazz Lewis; Delegate Andrea Fletcher Harrison; Delegate Tiffany Alston; County Council Member Krystal Oriadha; and William Lash, Sr. CEO, Chirality Capital Consulting. Several more projects are planned for 2024, including another volunteer playground build in July at Palmer Park Community Center in Landover, MD. Ahead of each KABOOM! build, neighborhood youth are invited to join in the community planning process by drawing their dream playgrounds at a Design Day. Using these drawings as inspiration, playground designers create design options that are presented to the community for a final vote.

    “This synergetic partnership with KABOOM! is truly a win-win!” said Bill Tyler, Director of The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County. “We can more quickly accomplish our goal to replace or renovate aging playspaces operated and maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County. The additional support allows our talented and dedicated staff to utilize a multitude of resources, imagination, and pesticide-free options to deliver these incredible playspaces envisioned by the community more quickly than ever before.”

    KABOOM! believes that vibrant playspaces are critical for kids to grow up happy and healthy, living in thriving communities. Yet, across the nation, there is widespread playspace inequity, the reality that communities of color disproportionally lack access to – and a sense of belonging in – quality playspaces. KABOOM! is committed to addressing this inequity by ensuring every child has access to quality places to play. With partners like M-NCPPC, they will unite with communities to ensure that every child can experience the critical developmental benefits of having quality places to play.

    “Places to play are one of the building blocks for a happy and healthy childhood, and we want to make sure joyful playspaces are available everywhere for our kids,” said Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “Together with The Department, we are using data to identify where there is the greatest need for playgrounds, addressing playspace inequity everywhere it exists so no child grows up lacking places to play and the rich developmental benefits needed to grow into their greatest potential.”

    Acknowledging strong partnerships are critical to solve playspace inequity at scale, KABOOM! is building a coalition of 25 municipal agencies (school districts, parks and recreation departments, housing systems, etc.) and networks of nonprofit partners who are committed to addressing the urgent needs of kids. Visit kaboom.org to learn more about the 25 in 5 Initiative. Potential municipal partners are invited to complete the Interest Survey to start the process. Playspace inequity is an issue with deep roots, but it is solvable. Together, we can work to end playspace inequity for good.

    About The Department

    With over 28,000 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 residents in Prince George’s County 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.

    About KABOOM!

    KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not available to every child, especially in communities of color. Since 1996, KABOOM! has partnered with kids and communities to create or transform 17,000+ playspaces and ensure that nearly 12 million kids have equitable access to the critical benefits and opportunities that playspaces offer. In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity to accelerate its mission in 25 high-priority locations over five years. Learn more at kaboom.org or join the conversation on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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