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M-NCPPC Temporarily Closes Outdoor Facilities Due to Poor Air Quality

RIVERDALE, MD – July 17, 2026 – Due to continued poor air quality affecting the region, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, has temporarily closed select outdoor facilities and suspended certain outdoor operations to help protect the health and safety of residents, visitors, participants, and employees.

The Department continues to closely monitor air quality conditions and remains committed to reopening facilities and resuming normal operations as soon as conditions safely allow.

Facility, Program, and Event Updates

The following facilities, programs, and events are canceled, closed, or modified for Friday, July 17, due to poor air quality:

• All outdoor aquatic facilities and splash parks – Closed
• All athletic fields and artificial turf fields – Closed
• All golf courses – Closed at 1 pm
• Trap & Skeet Center – Closed at 1 pm
• “Screen on the Green” at Riversdale House Museum – Rescheduled to Friday, July 24
• Wonderful World of Wizards at Watkins Regional Park – Closing at 3 pm
• Youth Safe Summer Soccer League games at Woodmore Town Centre Park and Walker Mill Regional Park – Canceled
• Summer Movie Night and Come Out and Play at Accokeek Neighborhood Park – Canceled

Residents are encouraged to visit pgparks.com or sign up for PGParks Alerts for the latest information regarding facility operations, program updates, and weather-related impacts.

Indoor Recreation and Cooling Options

Residents looking to stay active while avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure are encouraged to visit M-NCPPC’s indoor recreation and aquatic facilities or other air-conditioned public spaces, where available.

For facility locations, hours, and availability, visit pgparks.com.

Air Quality Safety Tips

To reduce exposure to unhealthy air, residents are encouraged to:

• Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
• Move recreational activities indoors whenever possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed if advised by local officials.
• Stay hydrated and remain in air-conditioned environments whenever possible.
• Watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or irritation of the eyes and throat.
• Individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions should follow guidance from their healthcare provider and keep necessary medications readily available.

Children, older adults, and individuals with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are especially encouraged to remain indoors until air quality improves.

We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we respond to these conditions. The Department remains committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone who visits our parks and facilities.

For the latest updates, facility information, or to sign up for PGParks Alerts, visit pgparks.com.

About the Department

With more than 30,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and recreational amenities, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides award-winning parks, programs, and facilities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Through innovative leadership, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to community, the Department offers exceptional recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Guided by the Formula 2040 Plan, the Department continues to invest in parks, facilities, and programs that will serve Prince George’s County for generations to come. Learn more at pgparks.com.

RIVERDALE, MD – July 17, 2026 – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, encourages residents, visitors, and employees to take precautions as poor air quality continues to impact the region.

Individuals, particularly children, older adults, and those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions, are encouraged to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity and monitor local air quality conditions throughout the day. The Department will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed to help protect the health and safety of the community.

Cooling Centers and Indoor Recreation

Residents are encouraged to seek air-conditioned spaces during periods of poor air quality. Designated cooling centers and M-NCPPC indoor recreational and aquatic facilities offer opportunities to stay cool while reducing exposure to unhealthy outdoor air.

For locations, hours, and availability, check pgparks.com.

Air Quality Safety Tips

To help reduce exposure to unhealthy air conditions, residents are encouraged to:

• Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity, especially during periods when air quality is unhealthy.
• Move activities indoors whenever possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed if advised by local officials.
• If spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks and pay attention to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or irritation of the eyes and throat.
• Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions should keep prescribed medications readily available and follow guidance from their healthcare provider.

Residents should also continue to stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible.

Outdoor Recreation Advisory

During periods of poor air quality, residents are encouraged to postpone or limit visits to outdoor recreational amenities, including:

• Parks and trails
• Outdoor courts (tennis, pickleball, and basketball)
• Playgrounds
• Golf courses
• Picnic pavilions
• Campgrounds
• Trap & Skeet Center
• Old Maryland Farm
• Athletic fields and other outdoor recreational facilities

Residents are encouraged to check on older adults, young children, and others who may be more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.

We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these conditions together. Stay informed, stay safe, and continue to Live More, Play More responsibly.

For updates, facility information, or to sign up for PGParks Alerts, visit pgparks.com.

About the Department

With more than 30,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and recreational amenities, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides award-winning parks, programs, and facilities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Through innovative leadership, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to community, the Department offers exceptional recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Guided by the Formula 2040 Plan, the Department continues to invest in parks, facilities, and programs that will serve Prince George’s County for generations to come. Learn more at pgparks.com.

RIVERDALE, MD – July 16, 2026 – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, continues to encourage residents, visitors, and employees to take precautions as dangerously high temperatures and elevated heat index values persist across the region. The Department urges everyone to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, and take advantage of available cooling centers and aquatic facilities.

M-NCPPC continues to closely monitor weather conditions and will provide updates as needed to help protect the health and safety of the community.

Programs and Events

The following is the current status of today’s programs, events, and activities due to extreme heat:

• Gather on the Green Concert Series at Concord Historic Site (5-8 pm) – cancelled
• Fitness in the Parks: Zumba at Fairwood Community Park (6-7 pm) – cancelled
• Get Fit Mobile: Fitness on the Fly at Watkins Regional Park (6-7 pm) – cancelled
• Summer Concert Series at Watkins Regional Park – Scheduled as planned

Please note that programs, events, and activities may be modified, postponed, relocated, or cancelled as weather conditions change. Check pgparks.com or sign up for PGParks Alerts for the latest updates.

Outdoor Aquatic Facilities

Looking for a way to beat the heat? M-NCPPC’s outdoor pools and splash parks provide a fun and refreshing way to stay cool during periods of extreme heat. Advanced registration is suggested where applicable.

• Allentown Splash Park: 7210 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
• Cross Creek Pool: 12806 Bay Hills Drive, Calverton, MD 20705
• Ellen Linson Splash Park: 5211 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740
• Glenn Dale Splash Park: 1901 Glenn Dale Boulevard, Glenn Dale, MD 20769
• Hamilton Splash Park: 3901 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781
• J. Franklyn Bourne Pool: 6500 Calmos Street, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743
• Lane Manor Splash Park: 7601 West Park Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783
• North Barnaby Splash Park: 5000 Wheeler Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

For locations, hours, and availability, visit pgparks.com.

Cooling Centers

Residents are encouraged to visit designated cooling centers throughout Prince George’s County to stay safe during periods of extreme heat. Click here for a full list of designated cooling centers and indoor and outdoor pools.

Outdoor Activity Advisory

To reduce the risk of heat-related illness, patrons are strongly encouraged to limit time outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day. If you plan to spend time outside, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Be alert for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, or weakness. If symptoms worsen or someone appears confused, loses consciousness, or stops sweating, seek medical attention immediately.

When possible, postpone strenuous outdoor activities or visit outdoor recreational amenities during the cooler morning or evening hours, including:

• Parks and trails
• Outdoor courts (tennis, pickleball, and basketball)
• Playgrounds
• Golf courses
• Picnic pavilions
• Campgrounds
• Trap & Skeet Center
• Old Maryland Farm
• Athletic fields and other outdoor recreational facilities

Depending on weather conditions and heat index levels, certain outdoor facilities or athletic fields may experience temporary operational adjustments to protect public health and safety.

On Code Red Heat Alert days, all M-NCPPC artificial turf athletic fields are closed to help protect the health and safety of participants, coaches, officials, and spectators. The Department’s Permits Team notifies all permitted field users by email as soon as a Code Red day is declared.

Residents are encouraged to check on older adults, young children, neighbors, and other vulnerable individuals during periods of extreme heat.

We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these extreme weather conditions together. Stay safe, stay cool, and continue to Live More, Play More safely.

For the latest weather-related updates, facility information, or to sign up for PGParks Alerts, visit pgparks.com.

About the Department

With over 30,000 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.