News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2022

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces Pesticide-Free Parks

Riverdale, MD – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County announces it has completed steps to make all 249 playgrounds, dog parks, and 132 of its parks now pesticide-free as a part of its mission to conserve and protect natural spaces and species.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is reducing its environmental impact by implementing more sustainable efforts and initiatives. After careful review of best practices, the Department has decreased the use of pesticides in its overall parks and increased the use of manual, mechanical and organic means to control pests. It will also reduce the number of ornamental landscape beds that can significantly decrease the need for pesticides.

In addition, the Department has launched a 48-hour pesticide pre-notification requirement for all pesticide applications on parkland that will be available on the new Integrated Pest Management & Sustainability website. The site will also have the list of parks that are pesticide free. Visit Integrated Pest Management Program and Pesticide Use (pgparks.com) for more details.

The Department reviews best practices for land management, along with effective organic options to implement pesticide reduction efforts in support of its Sustainability Plan. It recently launched Mission Zero – a long-term sustainability initiative that aims to reduce environmental footprint as close to zero as possible by 2040.

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, 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. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2022

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

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

Maryland Historical Trust Award for M-NCPPC Black History Program

Riverdale, MD – The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, part of The M-NCPPC, is proud to announce it has been chosen as an award recipient of the Maryland Historical Trust’s (MHT) prestigious Preservation Award for its Black History Program. As part of Preservation Month (May 2022), the Trust will present 10 awards for noteworthy accomplishments in the preservation field, recognizing outstanding education, restoration, and revitalization projects, as well as organizational and individual leadership.

The Department’s Black History Program was chosen for Outstanding Organizational Leadership at the Local Level. The award recognizes organizations for laudable activities or accomplishments that advance the public’s appreciation, understanding and involvement in historic preservation or archaeology in Maryland. Founded in 1982, the Department’s Black History Program has developed public programming on African American history for 40 years, enhancing site interpretation and history education in Prince George’s County. 

“For four decades, the Black History Program has been at the forefront of preserving local black history, uncovering and celebrating those narratives that were too often relegated to the margins. We are honored to be recognized by MHT for this work. This award reflects the hard work, dedication and innovation of our staff, both past and present.”

The award presentation will be live streamed to the Trust’s Facebook page on May 11 at 12 noon. To tune in, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/314383414019526.

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, 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. 

About the Trust

The Maryland Historical Trust is the state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland’s past. Through research, conservation and education, the Maryland Historical Trust assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage. Part of the Maryland Department of Planning, the Maryland Historical Trust serves as Maryland’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. In addition to its administrative office in Crownsville, the Maryland Historical Trust includes the Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum in St. Leonard, Maryland, which houses the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2022

Media Contact: Angel Waldron, 301-446-3311

Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County to Host 

Community Engagement Basketball Tournament

‘Hoops Up, Crime Down’ Partnership with Councilman Sydney Harrison, Our Sons Rise, and 4Ever Unified

Riverdale, MD – The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, part of the M-NCPPC, is proud to host the Inaugural Hoops Up, Crime Down event at its Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex in Brandywine, MD.

Taking place on Friday May 13 from 6 – 9pm, the event will feature a basketball tournament of county first responders v/s local athletes, a live performance by the DC Vybe band, food, drinks, a DJ, and giveaways. The purpose of Hoops Up, Crime Down is to help change the cultural narrative that misrepresents communities of color and law enforcement. The event is taking a multi-pronged approach to build stronger neighborhoods and connections between residents and first responders. 

“As we move into warmer months, we realize the importance of providing teenagers and young adults with safe and enjoyable events and activities,” states The Honorable Sydney Harrison, Vice-Chair of the Prince George’s County Council. “The Council District 9 team appreciates the great partners who are coming together to make this event a reality. We encourage the entire community to come out and enjoy.”

Due to other serious issues residents are facing, event coordinators will also offer resources including mental health and addiction services, employment and trade opportunities, domestic violence support, and more. Hoops Up, Crime Down is a free event. For more information, contact Crystal Hollingsworth at 240-595-1262.  

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, 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. 

About Councilman Harrison

The Honorable Sydney J. Harrison was elected to his first four-year term on the Prince George’s County Council in the November 2018 General Election.  A lifelong resident of his community, Council Member Harrison represents District 9 and has been appointed to chair the Education and Workforce Development Committee and is a member of the Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee.

About Our Sons Rise

Our Sons Rise, Inc. (OSR) was established as a nonprofit organization to address barriers faced by young Black men within Prince George’s County. The organization is an extension of decades of advocacy and outreach provided by lifelong Prince George’s County resident, founder Crystal Hollingsworth. OSR’s fight against racial and ethnic disparities became more critical after research identified Maryland as the #1 state in the nation that incarcerates Black men between the ages of 18-24.

About 4Ever Unified

4Ever Unified Is a 501c3 (nonprofit) established to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. 4Ever Unified proactively sponsors community festival and anti-crime walks, award presentations, appreciation events, holiday toys distribution, as well as a host of other events. The organization’s founders Lisa Thomas-Price, police Corporals John Diggs, Terry Gordon, and Wayne Thomas are focused and dedicated to their mission of helping to make a difference, in the lives of the community, throughout Prince George’s County.

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