FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 13, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: CHANDA WASHINGTON 240-565-2584 – or chanda.washington@pgparks.com

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation Proactively Closes Facilities 
and Cancels Programs and Events in the Interest of Public Health and Safety

Riverdale, MD – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County announced today that they will close all facilities with limited park maintenance operations and cancel events and programs beginning Monday, March 16. All parks and trails will remain open. They will reassess the status at the end of the month.

“The decision to close our facilities and cancel programs and events was made out of an abundance of caution for the health of the communities we serve, our employees, and visitors,” said Elizabeth M. Hewlett, Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board. “We are working closely with local public health authorities, emergency management offices, and other local agencies to keep our patrons and employees informed and updated on the current coronavirus situation.”

Department officials, staff, residents, partners, and vendors were informed of this decision late last week, the COVID-19 situation became more significant in the local area in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19.

“This proactive effort is our greatest opportunity to increase public health for the residents of Prince George’s County,” confirms Bill Tyler, Director of the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation. “Our facilities, programs, and events, provide the means for community social interaction and it is out of an abundance of caution that we are enforcing social distancing,” declares Tyler.

During the closure, the Department will continue to concentrate on preventive measures as indicated by public health agencies. 

College Park Airport and the Upper Marlboro Child Care Center will remain open.

The Department will credit funds for registrations classes, programs, rentals, and events or permits for park facilities. Outdoor areas will remain open to the public from sunrise to sunset. 

Updated information, FAQs and useful forms are up on the Department’s website at pgparks.com and an Information Line has been established, to provide useful information to the community by phone, at 301-446-3222.

“This challenging time is requiring us to make some difficult decisions about closings to protect the well-being of our residents,” says County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “Your County Government and our partners continue to work diligently and in a collaborative manner to prevent the spread of this virus.”

For more information, visit pgparks.com and follow us on social media.

The Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Instagram. The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services.

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