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FREE and low-cost events for the entire family!  

RIVERDALE, Md. – The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, invites residents and visitors to enjoy a wide range of free and low-cost events throughout May. From cultural celebrations to fitness events, there is something for the entire family to enjoy.

Upcoming Events

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Throughout May 

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. The Department is inviting the community to enjoy free workshops, cooking demonstrations, and fitness opportunities that will guide you on your path to wellness. From fitness challenges and group workouts to sports clinics and family-friendly activities, there are plenty of ways to get up and get moving through the month of May.

Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration  

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 1-4 pm

Harmony Hall Arts Center

Join us to celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) month with an afternoon honoring the rich cultures, traditions, and artistic contributions of AANHPI communities. Enjoy performances, cultural experiences, and delicious AANHPI cuisine in a lively celebration of heritage and community.

Kinderfest

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 12 noon-5 pm

Watkins Regional Park

A festival just for kids! Kinderfest returns to Watkins and is packed with live entertainment, games, train and carousel rides, hands-on nature activities, crafts, food vendors, and more. Bring the family for an unforgettable day of fun!

International Dance Experience

Sunday, May 17, 4-5:30 pm

Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

Dancers representing countries from across the globe get together to showcase their talent in this interactive and immersive dance experience. Enjoy a live DJ spinning the latest international dance tracks and learning a few new moves to celebrate diversity in our community.

Outdoor Pools Open for Summer Season

Saturday, May 23

Various locations

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation outdoor pools open for the summer season. From lap swimming and swim lessons to splash parks and family play areas, the Department offers safe, affordable, and family-friendly aquatic fun all summer long. Find a pool near you here.

Park Shredders Skate Jam

Saturday, May 23, 10 am-3 pm, Best Trick at 2 pm

Walker Mill Regional Park

Join us for an exciting skateboarding event in Prince George’s County designed to spark creativity, build skills, and strengthen community. This free event is open to skaters ages ten to 17 and offers a unique opportunity to learn from professional skateboarders and experienced instructors through guided activities and demonstrations. Friends, family, and community members are encouraged to come out, cheer on the skaters, and be part of this high-energy celebration of skate culture and community spirit.

Take 6

Saturday, May 30, 8 pm & Sunday, May 31, 4 pm

Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

The most awarded a cappella group in history, heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet!” is the quintessential a cappella model for vocal genius. With ten Grammy Awards, ten Dove Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, a Soul Train Award, and more, Take 6 continues to bring extraordinary vocals to their worldwide audiences. From jazz to pop, adult R&B, doo wop, and blues, they admirably and adeptly cross most musical genres. Like a fine-tuned vocal orchestra, the group continues pushing the boundaries of creativity and musical genius with every new release and their ever-evolving live performances.

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.

10,000+ Trees to Rewild Former Fairways into a Thriving Park

Riverdale, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, is proud to announce a collaborative tree planting initiative at Lake Arbor, made possible through a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and in partnership with Casey Trees.

“This effort reflects how we are reimagining under-utilized recreational spaces in ways that strengthen our natural environment and serve the community,” said Darius A. Stanton, Director of the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “As these trees take root and grow, they will help create a healthier ecosystem, provide shade and wildlife habitat, and offer residents a beautiful setting to enjoy nature for years to come. We appreciate the partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Casey Trees in helping bring this vision forward.”

Funded by a $673,560 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Urban Trees Award Program, awarded in July 2025, this project supports the planting of more than 10,340 native trees at the former Lake Arbor Golf Course. This initiative will “rewild” the golf course—transforming former fairways into a vibrant urban forest that boosts biodiversity, improves environmental health, and enhances the natural beauty of Prince George’s County while contributing to the 5 Million Trees for Maryland initiative.

“Lasting change starts with people owning projects for their communities,” said Jana Davis, President of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “The Urban Trees Program empowers more local groups with the resources they need for community-driven initiatives to expand tree canopy and create thriving green spaces that promote healthier, more resilient communities across Maryland.”

Built in 1970 and closed after foreclosure in 2010, the public golf course fell into disrepair until its acquisition by M-NCPPC in 2022 for the creation of a new park at Lake Arbor. The Lake Arbor Golf Course Reuse Master Plan—shaped by extensive community input—prioritizes reforestation, conservation areas, natural habitats, and sustainable recreation opportunities such as trails and complementary active-use amenities. It also addresses legacy issues, including sinkholes, failing pedestrian bridges, overgrown paths, and invasive species.

Casey Trees, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, developed a comprehensive tree-planting and care plan to ensure long-term success.

“Transforming Lake Arbor Park’s golf course—from vast turf to a vibrant community forest—marks an incredible step forward for the community,” said Andrew Schichtel, Executive Director of Casey Trees. “This project will deliver immediate benefits like cleaner air, cooling shade, and inviting public spaces, while serving as a model for how urban forestry investments can strengthen neighborhoods and build resilience to climate challenges.”

The restoration phase of the project, funded through this grant and implemented from July 2025 through June 2030, will unfold in phases as the former driving range and fairways are converted into natural forest habitat. Plans include seasonal plantings and the incorporation of repurposed golf cart paths into nature trails for community enjoyment. Additional elements of the Master Plan—such as community gardens and a nature-based playground—will be implemented in later phases with continued community engagement.

Transforming the site from manicured lawns into forested habitat will significantly benefit the environment, public health, and local ecology. By planting a diverse mix of native trees, the Lake Arbor project will deliver cleaner air and water, expanded wildlife habitat, cooler temperatures, and new recreational opportunities, while strengthening the County’s tree canopy and climate resilience.

This initiative is supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and is part of the 5 Million Trees for Maryland program, a statewide effort to expand Maryland’s tree canopy and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

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 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. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.

About the Chesapeake Bay Trust

The Chesapeake Bay Trust (www.cbtrust.org) envisions a restored and protected Chesapeake Bay watershed and other natural resources in our area, from the Coastal Bays to the Chesapeake to the Youghiogheny River. We empower local community-based groups on the ground with the resources they need to take on a meaningful and measurable role in restoring forests, streams, rivers, bays, wildlife, and more in their own communities. Every year, the Bay Trust empowers about 400 groups by providing grants and technical assistance to accomplish environmental education, community outreach, and local watershed restoration projects. The Bay Trust is supported by the sale of the Protect the Chesapeake & Coastal Bays license plate; donations to the Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund on the Maryland State income tax form; donations made by hunters, fishers, and boaters in the Maryland online natural resource licensing system; donations from individuals and corporations; and partnerships with private foundations and federal, state, and local governments. The Bay Trust has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator for over two decades. On average, 90 cents of every dollar are directed to the Trust’s restoration and education programs.

About Casey Trees

Casey Trees is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of the nation’s capital. Established in 2001 by philanthropist Betty Brown Casey, the organization works to revitalize Washington, D.C.’s legacy as the “City of Trees.” Through tree planting and care, volunteer engagement, education, advocacy, and land conservation, Casey Trees collaborates with residents, community groups, and policymakers to promote sustainable urban forestry practices. Casey Trees also operates as D.C.’s only accredited land trust serving all of Washington, D.C., and surrounding jurisdictions, preserving green spaces and safeguarding them from future development. With a goal of achieving D.C.’s 40% tree canopy coverage by 2032, Casey Trees has planted over 65,000 trees and continues to support initiatives that improve environmental resilience, enhance community spaces, and foster a greener, more livable capital region. Learn more at https://caseytrees.org. 

Riverdale, MD – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, announces that all parks and recreation facilities will close after 1 pm today due to a tornado warning and severe weather conditions impacting the greater Washington, D.C., region.

In addition, all programs and activities scheduled for 1 pm and later today are canceled out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and staff.

Parents of children enrolled in Kids Care and Kids Club programs must pick up their children no later than 1:45 pm, if not sooner, due to the early facility closure.

To support residents who may need a safe place during the severe weather, Emergency Weather Centers will remain open from 8 am to 8 pm at the following locations:

• Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center
  • 7120 Contee Road, Laurel MD 20707
• • 301-206-3350
• Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex
  • 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover MD 20785
• • 301-583-2400
• Temple Hills Community Center
  • 5300 Temple Hills Road, Temple Hills MD 20748
• • 301-894-6616

Residents are strongly encouraged to seek shelter immediately when severe weather warnings are issued, remain indoors, and avoid travel during periods of heavy rain, high winds, or possible tornado activity. Individuals should also avoid driving through flooded roadways and remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions.

Department staff should consult with their direct supervisor for guidance regarding telework or other work arrangements during the facility closure.

Patrons are advised to delay visits to outdoor M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation facilities until severe weather conditions pass. Updates regarding park programs and facility operations will be posted at pgparks.com.

Tornado and Severe Weather Safety Tips

During severe storms and tornado warnings, residents should take the following precautions:

• Seek Immediate Shelter: Move indoors to a sturdy building. If a tornado warning is issued, go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
• Avoid Windows and Doors: Stay away from glass and exterior walls where flying debris can cause injury.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local weather alerts through reliable news sources, weather apps, or emergency alert systems.
• Avoid Flooded Roads: Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Even shallow water can be dangerous.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Bring inside or secure loose outdoor items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
• Check on Neighbors: If it is safe to do so, check on elderly neighbors, individuals with disabilities, or others who may need assistance.

The Department will continue monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates if additional closures or cancellations become necessary.

For the latest information on facility operations, reopening, and program updates, or to sign up for PGParks Alerts, visit pgparks.com or follow @pgparks on all social media platforms.

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 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. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com.