News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2023

Program Contact: Dr. Dennis Doster, 240-264-3415

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Juneteenth Festival Announced by M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation,

Prince George’s County

Riverdale, MD – The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, part of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is pleased to announce its 2023 Festival for Juneteenth: the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom, the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the word Juneteenth.

As a part of the Department’s ongoing mission to provide exciting and unique cultural programming to county residents, the Juneteenth Festival is a must-attend event for the young and young at heart. The festival takes place Saturday, June 17^th at Watkins Regional Park from 12 – 5pm and includes:

• Live entertainment – Avery Sunshine, Rare Essence, Proverbs Reggae Band, DuPont Brass Band, Brencore Allstars Band
• Visual art exhibition – “My Coloured Girls” by Bevadine Zoma Terrell
• Arts Activities – Arts on a Roll, Taratibu Youth Association, Bubble Wands with Blessed Hands Bless, DC Face Painters
• History Activities – Freedom Cabin, Sankofa Mobile Museum Preview
• Food and merchandise vendors
• Non-profit exhibitors

The 2023 Juneteenth festival is a FREE event. To learn more, visit http://www.pgparks.com/Juneteenth.

About the Department

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. 

Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Launches 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 16, 2023

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Saturday Enrichment Academy

Riverdale, MD – The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County in partnership with the County Council is proud to announce its new weekend tutoring program, Saturday Enrichment Academy (SEA), to help improve grades and test scores of county youth. In this three-hour weekly program, learning coaches will use creative ways to meet the needs and styles of participants in grades 1-3 to promote academic acceleration. SEA is FREE for Prince George’s County residents ages 6-9 and will take place at nine Department locations March 4 – June 10, 2023, from 9:30am – 12:30pm.

“The purpose of our Saturday Enrichment Academy is to provide academic support to youth who are having challenges with English Language Arts and STEAM”, states Anica O’Neil, Assistant Division Chief at the Department. “It is our goal to bridge the gap and provide our youth with resources and a comfortable, fun, engaging environment that will assist with mitigating their learning challenges.”

Students will receive small group tutoring that creates a more comfortable learning environment and allows tutors to meet participants where they are. SEA will take place each Saturday at the following Elementary Schools in Prince George’s County:

Registration is now open here. To learn more, contact anica.oneil@pgparks.com. 

About the Department

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, PhotoShelter, and Instagram. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.