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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.

Riverdale, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division, is hosting a FREE, nine-week Park Police Citizens Academy for adults ages 18 and up. Classes meet every Tuesday evening from 6:30–9 pm, beginning March 10, 2026, and concluding May 5, 2026, at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, located at 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, Maryland 20785 (Learning Center – Bluebird Room).

Topics include park rules and regulations, criminal law, traffic law, crime scene management, drug and gang awareness, role of the prosecutor, safety awareness training, an overview of specialty units (Mounted, Motors, K9, Mobile Command Center, and Drone), and CPR (optional).

Upon completion of the academy, participants will receive a certificate and an opportunity to join the Park Police Volunteer Association.

Special Note: This academy is open to all adults and is not limited to current or prospective volunteers. It is designed as a citizens academy to educate the community about park policing. Graduates will have the opportunity to apply to become Park Police Volunteers if interested.

No Registration is required.

For more information, please contact Sergeant Trevin Sherard at Trevin.Sherard@pgparks.com or 240-695-3891.

About the Maryland-National Capital Park Police

The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Prince George’s County Division, consists of 133 authorized sworn personnel, 33 civilian employees, and approximately 40 volunteers. Title 17, Subtitle 3, Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland provides the authority to enforce Maryland laws and local ordinances, as well as the rules and regulations specific to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). The Maryland-National Capital Park Police are tasked with protecting approximately 30,000 acres of park property in Prince George’s County, as well as those who visit and staff M-NCPPC sites. For more information, visit pgparks.com/park-police.

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.

RIVERDALE, Md. — M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, announces planned maintenance work on a Kirkwood Pedestrian Bridge along the Northwest Branch Trail. The bridge will be closed March 5-6, 2026. The project will address the bridge’s aging condition and help ensure the continued safe use of the trail.

The project includes repairs and improvements to aging bridge components and related construction activities necessary to maintain safety and extend the service life of the structure.

The pedestrian bridge will be temporarily closed on March 5-6, 2026, for the entire day to support maintenance activities. During the closure:

– The Northwest Branch Trail will be interrupted at the river crossing

– Detours will be posted for pedestrians and cyclists

– Temporary congestion may occur on nearby trail segments and access points

Information for Our Valued Community

We understand that this renovation project will impact our existing users, and we are committed to minimizing any inconvenience. To help patrons plan, we, along with the contractor, will:

· Maintain open communication via email, social media, and meetings to address any questions or concerns.

· Provide a draft rendering of what the final renovation design.

· Share a tentative project timeline at pgparks.com.

· Provide constant updates through community bulletins and announcements that include video and photos of progress.

· Communicate in advance and provide signage and construction site plan logistics for awareness and safety

Our goal is to deliver a revitalized bridge that will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the bridge but also will ensure longevity and enhance functionality for years to come. Stay updated by visiting pgparks.com and signing up for PGParks Alerts to receive notifications on your mobile device.

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.