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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission selected as a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award in Parks and Recreation Management

Agency vies for its seventh Gold Medal Award against three other agencies.

RIVERDALE, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

The Gold Medal is among the highest honors in the parks and recreation industry, recognizing outstanding management and service. M-NCPPC, which includes the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery Parks, is the only six-time national Gold Medal winner for excellence in parks and recreation management in the nation. The agency earned this prestigious award in 1973, 1977, 1983, 1984, 2003, and 2015 and was also named a finalist in 2023.

“This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication our staff has to serving the Prince George’s County community with high-quality recreational experiences,” said Bill Tyler, director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “We are proud to represent our community on a national stage and will continue to pursue greatness in everything we do.”

“Being named a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award is a testament to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners who work tirelessly to provide exceptional parks and programs,” said Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks. “This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering social connections, encouraging physical activity, and protecting the environment.”

M-NCPPC is competing for the Gold Medal in the Class I category of park systems with a population of more than 400,001. Other park and recreation agencies competing for the Class I Gold Medal include the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation, Johnson County Park & Recreation District in Shawnee Mission, KS., and Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services in Leesburg, VA.

Founded in 1965 the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning. Resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition. Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those who they serve through collective energies of community members, staff, and elected officials.

The Gold Medal recipient will be announced in September at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Announces Events for May

RIVERDALE, Md. – Get out and get active this May with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. From art and cultural celebrations to fitness programs, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy all month long. Mark your calendars and join the Department for a month of exciting events.

Upcoming events include…

Community Days at Historic Sites

Every Saturday in May (excluding Memorial Day weekend) | FREE

Connect with the people, places, and past that make Prince George’s County like no other! Enjoy museum tours, family-friendly activities, free professional photography, and more.

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month

All month long | FREE & Low Cost

Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month by participating in free and low-cost sports and fitness programs throughout May. Offering fitness classes, health education, nutrition programs, sports and aquatic activities, senior programs, fitness center open houses, and outdoor adventures.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

Saturday, May 3, 1-4 pm | Harmony Hall Regional Center | FREE

Join the community to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and diverse heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Enjoy live performances, captivating dance displays, interactive crafts, and a variety of delicious foods.

The Power of YOU: Youth Mental Health Conference

Saturday, May 3, 12 noon – 4 pm |Kentland Community Center |FREE

This FREE mental health and self-care event is specifically tailored for youth. The program focuses on empowering youth by addressing mental health challenges, self-care practices, and personal development through interactive workshops, speakers, and activities.

Mother’s Day Spring Fling

Friday, May 9, 7 – 11 pm | The Show Place Arena

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an evening of hand dancing, line dancing and bop, featuring music by Lady D. Dress to impress! Tickets include a light fare buffet.

Pull up & play

Saturday, May 10, 2 -5 pm | Rollingcrest Chillum Community Center |FREE

Join M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation and the Pull Up Fund for an action-packed afternoon of sports, family fun, and entertainment. Enjoy live music, free food and giveaways, interactive games, sports demos, and more!

International Dance Experience

Sunday, May 18, 4 pm | Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

Celebrate the rich diversity of global dance traditions. This dynamic event will feature performances including West African Dance. Salsa, Mexican Folk Dance, Irish Dance, Brazilian Dance, and more.

Langley Park Day

Sunday, May 18, 12 noon – 4 pm | Langley Park Community Center | FREE

Bring the whole family to enjoy an intercultural celebration featuring music, traditional dance performances, community resources, children’s activities, games, and food vendors. Attendees are encouraged to wear their country’s traditional attire.

Senior Health and Fitness Day

Wednesday, May 21, 10 am – 1 pm| Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex | FREE

Celebrate healthy living and physical activity for older adults at this annual event. Seniors from across the community will participate in fitness activities, health screenings, and wellness workshops designed to promote active lifestyles and well-being.

In the Life: An LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration

Saturday, May 31, 12 noon – 4 pm| Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex

Celebrate the Prince George’s County LGBTQ+ community and allies at this vibrant Pride event. In the life will showcase the DMV Ballroom scene and its influence on mainstream entertainment and fashion. The event includes four dynamic workshops focused on Vogue, female figure runways, male runway, and choreography in heels. Registration is required.

For more information about upcoming M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation events, visit https://www.pgparks.com/activities-events/events.
Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Celebrates the Grand Reopening of Marlow Heights Community Center with Ribbon Cutting

RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, along with elected officials and the community, celebrated the grand reopening of the new Marlow Heights Community Center on Saturday, April 19, marking a new chapter for a beloved neighborhood hub.

The ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks from Maryland State Sen. Nicholas P. Charles, Maryland State Del. Karen Toles, Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha, Peter A. Shapiro Chairman of M-NCPPC, Prince George’s County Planning Board, Bill Tyler Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, and other community leaders. Speakers emphasized the importance of inclusive, modern public spaces that support recreation and wellness for residents of all ages.

“This is what the Department of Parks and Recreation is all about, we want to make sure the community has the resources and facilities to Live More, Play More,” said Bill Tyler, Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, “Marlow Heights Community Center is a result of the community and the Department working together to create a beautiful space where all can come and enjoy.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the community got an opportunity to tour the facility, participate in class demonstrations, enjoy family-friendly activities, and celebrate the exciting new beginning for Marlow Heights Community Center.

“This is fantastic, the Department did a wonderful job, everyone needs to come to see this,” said Patricia M., a senior participant at Marlow Heights Community Center.

Originally built in 1961, the Marlow Heights Community Center served the community for over half a century before closing in 2023 to undergo major capital improvements. The new state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the diverse recreational and leisure needs of the community. As a direct response to the input received from the Marlow Heights community, the center is a modern, inclusive, and community-focused hub for all ages, interests, and abilities.

Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, the new community center features a large weights and fitness room, group fitness studio, three multipurpose rooms, spacious lobby – all designed with an emphasis on inclusion and accessibility. The facility also includes a regulation basketball gym that can convert to volleyball or pickleball courts with spectator seating.

Outdoor amenities include a 5,000-square-foot inclusive playground, a 1,500-square-foot splash pad, newly surfaced tennis and pickleball courts, walking trails, ample parking, and spaces designed to showcase and enjoy public art.

Marlow Heights Community Center reopened for normal operating hours on Saturday, April 19. For more information about programs and hours of operation, visit pgparks.com.

News - FAQ List Quick

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission selected as a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award in Parks and Recreation Management

Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Announces Events for May

Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Celebrates the Grand Reopening of Marlow Heights Community Center with Ribbon Cutting

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