Rental Permits & Policies

By submitting a permit application, you alert the Department of Parks and Recreation to your needs and gain access to a variety of our facilities that will be the perfect location for your event.

In order to rent any facility, the renter must first become a verified Parks Direct customer and provide valid proof of residency, age, and identification.

Off-Season

During the off season (2nd weekend of October through last weekend of April), all park shelters operate on a first come, first served basis. No shelters can be reserved during the off-season. Those looking for a secure gathering place should instead call the Park Permits Office to book a Recreation Building.

Athletic-Fields

The Department of Parks and Recreation maintains an extensive inventory of diamond (baseball, kickball, softball, t-ball, etc.) and rectangle (football, lacrosse, soccer, etc.) fields to be permitted for youth and adult practice, training, game and tournament play. Fields are permitted for the intent of athletic use, with requests managed by the Youth and Countywide Sports Division.

Artificial Turf Field

There are three rectangle, artificial turf fields available for year-round permit. Each field is located on the grounds of Heurich Community Park, Walker Mill Regional Park, and Woodmore Towne Center. For more information, please call 301-446-6800 or email athletic.permits@pgparks.com.

Natural Field

There are numerous diamond and rectangle fields available for seasonal permit throughout the county. For additional information, please read below, or call at 301-446-6800 or email athletic.permits@pgparks.com.

Months of Availability

  • April to November

Regardless of the weather, grass fields are not rented out in December, January, February or March.

Permitting Calendar

Field TypeDates PermittedDeadline for Requests
Baseball / SoftballApril 1 – July 15February 15
Football / Soccer (Spring)April 1 – July 15February 15
Football / Soccer (Fall)August 1 – November 30June 30

Note: SPRING football/soccer fields are for Non-Overlay fields only. Fields that overlay baseball/softball fields will be considered a baseball/softball field during the spring.

Prince George’s Public School System (PGCPS) Fields

Applications for PGCPS Fields must be submitted via the PGCPS Community Use Portal. Visit the Prince George’s County Public Schools for more information.

Baseball & Softball Tournament Sites

Seven diamond athletic field sites (see below) are available for both adult and youth baseball/softball tournaments. For more information about the tournament request processes, email Athletic.Permits@pgparks.com.

Field LocationsNumber of Fields
Colmar Manor
3510 38th Ave., Colmar Manor 20722
1 Baseball Field; 3 Softball Fields
Cosca Regional Park
11000 Thrift Rd., Clinton 20735
2 Baseball Fields; 3 Softball Fields
Fairland Regional Park
13950 Old Gunpowder Rd., Laurel 20707
4 Softball Fields
Riverdale Community Park
5400 Haiig Dr., Riverdale 20737
2 Baseball Fields; 3 Softball Fields
Tucker Road Athletic Complex
1770 Tucker Rd., Ft. Washington 20774
1 Baseball Field; 3 Softball Fields
Walker Mill Regional Park
8001 Walker Mill Rd., District Heights 20747
1 Baseball Field; 1 Softball Field
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro 20772
5 Softball Fields

How to Apply for a Field Permit

PARKS DIRECT

You Must have a PARKS DIRECT account in order to rent a field. Review the Become a PARKS DIRECT Customer page for more information about signing up.

If you have never rented a field before, it would benefit you to sign up for a PARKS DIRECT account now. This will make the process faster for field reservations. We require 48 hours notice to schedule a field.

Games Only

Fields are rented for games only – we do not reserve time for practices. We need time to schedule the fields with our maintenance department, so please do not call the day before an event expecting to rent a field.

Process for Obtaining Athletic Field Permits

Please be aware of the following information when considering an M-NCPPC Prince George’s County field.

Priority Schedule

Per current policy, permits are issued under the following priority schedule

1st Priority

Any recreation program sponsored by the M-NCPPC including Recreation Councils, Franchise leagues, Prince George’s County Boys and Girls Club, Municipal leagues, and Prince George’s County Board of Education

2nd Priority

Other Youth organizations including Church leagues, CYO leagues, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, YMCA, YWCA, organized youth leagues and Recreation Councils not affiliated with M-NCPPC.

3rd Priority

All other organizations that have a majority of bi-county resident participation (Prince George’s County and Montgomery County).

Lighted Fields

The M-NCPPC Lighted Fields will be administered by the M-NCPPC Sports, Health and Wellness Youth & Countywide Sports Division for the purpose of scheduling the adult and youth recreation leagues and the Prince George’s County Boys and Girls Club leagues. Only organizations that schedule and administer bi-county based leagues will be allowed the use of lighted fields.

Insurance Must Be Provided

  • Proof of no less than a $1,000,000 Liability Insurance Policy and must list the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission as an additional insured and certificate holder
  • The corporate address must also be listed:
  • 6611 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737
  • Current rosters with complete address for each participant.
  • Youth teams (only) must provide their game and practice schedule.
  • Payment in full (where a fee is required).

Field Allocation Meetings

The Athletic Field Allocation meeting process is to let applicants know what fields they will have prior to their permits being issued. If there are multiple requests for the same field, the process is to amicably allocate the field usage. When processing permit applications, every effort is made to provide each qualifying organization with some field time.

  • Baseball/Softball Allocations: mid-late February
  • Spring Football/Soccer: mid-February
  • Fall Football/Soccer: late July/early August

Usage Fees

Lighted Grass Field

Youth

  • $10 per hour without lights
  • $20 per hour with lights

Adults

  • $20 per hour without lights
  • $40 per hour with lights

Unlighted Grass Field

Youth

  • No Charge

Adults

  • $20 per hour

Payment

You must have a PARKS DIRECT account. All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover) are accepted. No refunds/re-schedules except for M-NCPPC closure of field. Reservations are confirmed when payment is received.

Athletic Field Closure Guidelines

Determining the playability of an athletic field is crucial to the continued health of the turf and the sustainability of the field throughout the season.  The Department of Parks and Recreation will close its athletic fields if Park Maintenance staff determines that fields are too wet for play, or if other issues arise that would compromise patron safety. 

An athletic field should be considered CLOSED for play if ANY part of the field becomes unsafe for field users AND/OR if conditions exist where use will cause damage to the field.

REMEMBER: Standing water occurs because the ground is saturated. Removing standing water does not eliminate saturation. It is the saturation and not standing water that causes damage and unsafe conditions.

Rectangular Fields – Soccer, Football, Lacrosse, Cricket

  • Standing water present on any part of the field that cannot be removed without causing damage to the field.
  • Muddy conditions present that will not dry by the start of the game.
  • While walking on the field grass, water can be seen or heard with any footstep.
  • While walking on the field, any impression of your footprint is left in the surface.
  • If water gathers around the sole of a shoe or boot on any portion of the field.
  • Ice or snow present on the field, or the field surface is frozen solid.

Diamond Fields – Baseball, Softball

  • Standing water present on any part of the field that cannot be removed without causing damage to the field.
  • While walking on the field, water can be seen or heard with any footstep.
  • If water gathers around the sole of a shoe or boot on any portion of the outfield.
  • While walking in turf areas any impression of your footprint is left in the surface.
  • While walking on the infield portion of the field, an impression of ½” deep or more is left by a footprint.
  • Infield dirt is wet or soft where dragging the dirt would cause more damage. The infield might look dry at the surface but still has deep moisture. 

Synthetic Turf Fields

  • Ice or snow present on the field or the field surface is frozen
  • Low temperatures and wind chills, even when ice or snow are not present
  • The air temperature reaches over 100 degree Fahrenheit

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Bandwagon Stages

Take your celebration to the next level by renting our Bandwagon Stage!

The bandwagon is a mobile covered trailer with a stage. The rental includes many useful features like speakers, microphones and so much more!

Dimensions

Equipment

  • Generator
  • Handicap lift (on back of stage)
  • Public Address (PA) system with amplifier
  • Trailer crank

Features

The rental includes:

  • 100 foot extension cord
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Gallon gas can (5)
  • Microphone cords (4)
  • Microphone stands (4)
  • Microphones (4)
  • Orange cones (4)
  • Power cords (5)
  • Push broom
  • Sets of railings (4)
  • Sets of stage steps (2)
  • Speaker stands (2)
  • Speakers (4)
  • Step clamps (4)
  • Wireless microphones (2)

Rental Policies

Any organization requesting 501 (c)(3) designation must be able to provide a copy of their 501 (c)(3) designation letter along with the rental form. We reserve the right to refuse service for any event or organization that does not support Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission’s mission statement.

In order to rent the bandwagon, the renter must first become a verified PARKS DIRECT Customer and provide valid proof of residency, age and identification. All rentals made through the Park Permits Office must be paid in full at the time of reservation and all fees are subject to change.

Type of OrganizationFee
Bi-County (Non-profit) 501 (c)(3) Organizations$1400
Other Organizations or Private Use$2500

Includes transportation to and from the event and 8-hour usage.

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Picnic Shelter

All rental fees and security deposits must be paid in full at the time of reservation.

All reservations must be made online via your Parks Direct Account. The renter must first become a verified Parks Direct customer and provide valid proof of residency, age, and identification.

Neighborhood Park Open Shelters

Rentals

  • Open Shelters are reserved from 10 am – 7 pm on Monday – Sunday.
  • Must be a verified Prince George’s or Montgomery County resident at least 21 years of age to reserve.
  • All reservations must be made online via your Parks Direct Account
  • A $100 security deposit in addition to the rental fee is due at the time of reservation.
  • Picnic shelter reservations must be made 48 business hours in advance.
  • Weather Cancellation Policy: No refunds or reschedules will be processed due to rain, snow, or other weather issues.
  • For capacity and fee information, please view the Picnic Shelter Fees (PDF)

Prohibited Activity

Shelters

  • Acredale Park
  • Auth Village Park
  • Calvert Park
  • Fairwood Park
  • Fletcher’s Park Shelter #2
  • Highbridge Park
  • North Barnaby Park
  • Oxon Run Park Shelter
  • Paint Branch Park
  • Rose Valley Park
  • Temple Hills Park
  • University Hills Park
  • Walker Mill Regional Park

Regional Park Picnic Shelters

Watkins Regional Park Picnic Shelters

301 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Watkins Regional Park Map (PDF)

Cosca Regional Park Picnic Shelters

11000 Thrift Road
Clinton, MD 20735

Cosca Regional Park Map (PDF)

Reservation Details

  • Picnic Shelters are reserved from 10 am – 7 pm on Sunday – Saturday.
  • Must be a verified Prince George’s or Montgomery County resident at least 21 years of age to reserve. 
  • Non-residents may reserve certain shelters at Watkins Regional Park or Cosca Regional Park.
  • Picnic shelter reservations must be made 48 business hours in advance.
  • Weather Cancellation Policy: No refunds or reschedules will be processed due to rain, snow, or other weather issues.
  • A $100 security deposit in addition to the rental fee is due at the time of reservation.
  • Please find pricing and more information on our Picnic Shelter Fees (PDF)
  • All reservations must be made online via your PARKS DIRECT Account.

Prohibited Activity

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Park Buildings

Need a location to hold your next event? Our park buildings are unstaffed facilities that can hold parties of 50 to 75 people, perfect for a birthday, graduation, retirement party, and many other occasions.

Browse our facility options and make your reservation online today.

Patrons must make reservations online. The rental fee and security deposit are due at the time of reservation.

Patrons will need to be verified in Parks Direct, by providing valid proof of residency and age in order to receive the Resident rate. Renters must be 21 years of age or older.

If you are not verified at the time you make your reservation, you will be charged and need to pay the non-resident rate. Once you are verified with the Permits Office, a refund for the difference will be processed and sent to you. Verification must be made by the date of your rental in order to be eligible for a refund.

Interested in visiting a facility before your event? Schedule a viewing from the form at the bottom!

Resources

Rules & Regulations for Park Permitted Sites

  • Most park buildings include picnic areas adjacent to the buildings and are included in the rental permit
  • Daytime picnics must end at 7 p.m.
  • Picnic areas have picnic tables and grills but renters may bring a portable grill (charcoal)
    • Please note that the Suitland Water Tank does not have an adjacent picnic area.
  • The rental block includes event time as well as set-up, decorating, and clean-up.

Park Building Rental Process

  • All park buildings require a $200 security deposit that is charged at the time of reservation.
    • The deposit will cover damages, insufficient clean-up or rule violations. 

Changes to Your Reservation Policy

  • Any changes to your reservation must be requested at least 15 calendar days before your event and are subject to a $50 change fee. The permit holder must request any changes in writing to the Park Permits Office at parkpermits@pgparks.com.
  • If you book your event fewer than 15 days before the event date, you forfeit your ability to request changes to the contract.
  • If you book your event fewer than 14 days before the event date, you forfeit your ability to cancel and receive any monetary refund.

Cancellation Policy

  • There will be no refund or compensation due to weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold. Events also cannot be rescheduled due to forecast of inclement weather which M-NCPPC cannot control. Refunds will only be issued if MNCPPC closes the permitted facility.
  • All cancellations (regardless of reason) prior to 30 full days of the event will result in an 80% refund of the rental cost. All cancellations between 30 days and 14 full days of the event will result in a 50% refund of the rental cost. All cancellations within 14 full days of the event will not be eligible for any refund, regardless of reason or extenuating circumstances.
  • If you book your event fewer than 14 days before the event date, you forfeit your ability to cancel and receive any monetary refund.
  • The Commission reserves the right to cancel all permits with as much notice as possible and holds the person to whom this permit is issued responsible for notifying the Park Permits Office in advance of any cancellation.

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Park Building Viewing Request Form

Please fill out this web form to request time to view our Park Buildings. All requests must be made at least 48 business hours in advance and will only be considered if the viewing date(s) is/are within 14 business days. Any requests outside of this window will be denied. Please take note of the following: To view a Park Building you must have a PARKSDIRECT account. If you do not have an account please click here to create one. Appointments are only available Monday - Thursday, 8 am - 8 pm for a 30-minute block of time. Birchwood and Vansville Park Buildings can ONLY be viewed between the hours of 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Monday – Thursday. Ardmore Park Building is closed due to renovations – No viewings will be permitted for this location at this time. Because customers can make Park Building reservations up to 72 hours in advance, your request may not be approved until we are 72 hours away from your viewing date/time. If approved, our staff will provide you with an access code to enter the building at your appointment time. Your access code(s) will work for 30 minutes, if you miss your appointment you will have to submit a new request. Once your request is submitted, please allow up to 1 business day for the Park Permits Office to respond via email.

Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Requested Time(Required)
:
Thirty-minute blocks only
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Requested Time
:
Thirty-minute blocks only
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Requested Time
:
Thirty-minute blocks only

Community Centers

Security Deposits

Charged once per rental:

Operating Hours: $125 |

After Hours: $275

Rental Fees are hourly rates for Bi-County Residents (Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties). Non-Resident rates are listed in parentheses. 

(R)- Resident (NR)- Non Resident

Facility Rental Documents

Download a copy of the Facility Rental Guidelines (PDF).
Download a Facility Rental Application (PDF)

Additional Information

Contact the facility directly for more information.

Multipurpose Room – Small (less than 30 people)


Operating Hours: $60 (R); $78 (NR)
After Hours: $90 (R); $178 (NR)

Multipurpose Room – Medium (30-60 people)


Operating Hours:
$80 (R); $104 (NR)
After Hours: $110 (R); $143 (NR)

Multipurpose Room – Large (over 60 people)


Operating Hours:
$100 (R); $130 (NR)
After Hours: $130 (R); $169 (NR)

Gymnasium – Full Court


Operating Hours: $120 (R); $156 (NR)
After Hours: $150 (R); $195 (NR)

Gymnasium – Half Court (if applicable)


Operating Hours: $65 (R); $85 (NR)
After Hours: $95 (R); $124 (NR)

Entire Facility – Multipurpose Room(s) and Gym*


Operating Hours:
N/A
After Hours: $280 (R); $364 (NR)

*Entire Facility includes a large multipurpose room, one gymnasium (full court) and small meeting space (small multipurpose room) only. Additional fees are applicable for other spaces. This option may not be available at all facilities; inquire within.

Additional Notes
  • Requests that extend beyond operating hours are after hours rentals. For rentals that include both operating and after hours times, the after hours security deposit rate will be charged for the entire rental.
  • Maximum occupancy listed for rooms is Fire Marshall capacity. Actual capacity may be less depending on activity and layout.
  • Verified nonprofit organizations are eligible for a 50% discount during operating hours.
  • Community Centers may offer additional amenities at an additional cost.
  • Specialty facilities may have their own fee structures. Please contact the facility for more information.

Community Garden Plots

Want to grow fresh produce or flowers in a community environment?

Check out our five plot locations where county residents can come together to garden and connect with the environment.

Community Garden Plot Rentals

Cherry Hill

9301 Cherry Hill Road
College Park, MD 20740

Features

  • Plot Size: 25 feet by 30 feet
  • Rental Fee: $30 per plot
  • No water provided
  • Cherry Hill Map

Rollins Avenue Park

701 Rollins Avenue,
Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Features

  • Plot Size: 4′ by 8′ Raised planters- $20
  • 8′ x 12′ In-ground beds – $30
  • 2′ x 20′ In-ground beds – $40
  • Water provided
  • Rollins Ave Park Map

Old Landover Hills

6424 Old Landover Road
Landover, MD 20785

Features

  • Plot Size: 10 feet by 20 feet
    • Rental Fee: $35 per plot
  • Plot Size: 20 feet by 20 feet
    • Rental Fee: $55 per plot
  • Water provided
  • Old Landover Hills Map PDF

Walker Mill

8000 Walker Mill Road
Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Features

  • Plot Size: 20 feet by 20 feet
  • Rental Fee: $55 per plot
  • 2′ x 20′ In-ground beds – $40
  • Water provided
  • Walker Mill Map PDF

Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex

8001 Sheriff Road
Landover, MD 20785

Features

Watkins Regional Park 

431 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
(next to Largo Kettering Perrywood CC)

Features

  • Plot Size: 20 feet by 20 feet
  • Rental Fee: $55 per plot
  • Water provided
  • Watkins Region Park Map PDF

Growing Season: March 1 to December 15

Reservation Requirements
1. Resident

In order to participate, you must be a Prince George’s or Montgomery County resident age 21 or older.

2. PARKS DIRECT Account

Parks Direct account is required in order to make a reservation. 

3. Rental Agreement

A rental agreement must be agreed to. 

4. Full Rental Fee

The full rental fee must be paid at the time of reservation.

5. Online Only

Reservations must be made online via Parks Direct. A Parks Direct account and residency verification and age are required to make a reservation. Verification information can be found here.

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