News - FAQ List Quick

RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County will officially open outdoor aquatic facilities for the 2026 summer season, beginning Saturday, May 23. Facilities will operate on weekends only through June 19, 2026, offering residents and visitors the perfect way to kick off Memorial Day weekend with summer fun at eight outdoor pools and splash parks across the county.

The Department’s family-friendly aquatic facilities provide a safe, affordable, and refreshing way to enjoy the summer. General admission for Prince George’s and Montgomery County residents is $6 for adults and $5 for youth and seniors. In addition to outdoor swimming, the Department also offers state-of-the-art indoor aquatic facilities that provide swimming instruction, water safety education, fitness classes, open swim, and recreational play opportunities year-round.

“Our pools are more than just a place to safely swim, they’re where our community comes together, whether you’re swimming laps, relaxing by the water, or watching your children laugh and play,” said Adrienne Harris Moore, Division Chief for the Aquatics and Athletic Facilities Division. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another summer of fun.”

Newest M-NCPPC Pool Opens Memorial Day Weekend

Cross Creek pool in Calverton officially opens its doors to the public this Memorial Day weekend. As the newest addition to the Department’s aquatic offerings, the facility provides drop-in swimming, swim lessons, and rentals for families to enjoy all summer long.

Outdoor Aquatic Facilities:

• Cross Creek Pool: 12806 Bay Hills Drive, Calverton, MD (newest M-NCPPC pool)
• Allentown Splash Park: 7210 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
• Ellen E. 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

Summer outdoor pool operating hours:

• Mondays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-6:30 pm
• Tuesdays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-6:30 pm
• Wednesdays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-8 pm
• Thursdays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-6:30 pm
• Fridays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-8 pm
• Saturdays: 12 noon-3 pm | 3:30-6:30 pm 

*Outdoor Pools will begin daily operations on Friday, June 19, 2026, with special holiday hours of 12 noon-4 pm in observance of Juneteenth. Memorial Day and Labor Day Mondays, outdoor pools will offer two sessions, 12 noon-3 pm and 3:30-6:30 pm. Special holiday hours of 12 noon-4 pm in observance of July 4. 

Outdoor pools are very popular and often reach capacity early during the weekend sessions. To secure a spot, guests are encouraged to make an online reservation at pgparks.com. Reservations can be made up to ten days in advance and include a discounted admission fee.

For complete pool schedules, admission details, and safety guidelines, please visit pgparks.com.

RIVERDALE, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is selected as a finalist in the 2026 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.

The Gold Medal is among the highest honors in the park 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 a six-time gold medal recipient. The agency earned this prestigious award in 1973, 1977, 1983, 1984, 2003, and 2015, and was also named a finalist in 2023 and 2025.

“We’re the destination for the nation, and being named a finalist is a testament of our world-class parks and recreation,” said Darryl Barnes, chairman of M-NCPPC, Prince George’s County Planning Board. “We take pride in delivering exceptional experiences for our residents and visitors and set the standard for parks and recreation nationwide.”

“This recognition highlights the dedication and commitment of the staff who serve our communities,” said Artie Harris, vice chair of the M-NCPPC and chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board. “I’m continually inspired by their work and the unique talents and passion they bring to our organization. This honor is truly well deserved.” 

“Being named a finalist for the National Gold Medal Award reflects the dedication and passion of our staff, volunteers, and community partners. Together, they work to deliver exceptional parks and programs,” said Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks. “This recognition underscores our commitment to bringing people together, fostering inclusive park experiences, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, and responsibly caring for our natural resources.” 

“This recognition reflects the essential programs and services provided by our staff, who work every day to deliver exceptional parks and recreation experiences to residents across Prince George’s County,” said Darius A. Stanton, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County. “As a six-time gold medal recipient, we are number one in the nation, and it’s an honor to be a finalist and elevate our community on the national stage.”

M-NCPPC is competing for the Gold Medal in the Class I category of parks systems with a population of more than 400,001. Other park and recreation agencies competing for the Class I Gold Medal include Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation.

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.

The Gold Medal recipient will be announced in September at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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.