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December 6, 2024
  • Major Aquatic Capital Improvement Project and Renovation at Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex Scheduled to Begin Wednesday, December 10, 2025  

    RIVERDALE, Md. – M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, will be conducting a major aquatic capital improvement project and renovation at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. During this first phase, the competition pool will be drained and closed for approximately one year, while the Leisure Pool remains open. This two-phase, two-year project is designed to minimize service disruptions and improve efficiency. Upgrades will include full replacement of the pool shell and deck surface, along with measures to protect daily operations. Our goal is to enhance the quality and experience of the Department’s aquatic facilities and amenities, ensuring they meet the highest standards for safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.

    Project Overview

    The improvement project will include significant upgrades to the existing infrastructure of the competition pool, including demolition and reconstruction. Key components of the project include reconfiguring the groundwater drainage systems to support site dewatering, installing state-of-the-art filtration and heating systems, renovating the pool shell and deck surfaces, and enhancing surrounding amenities such as family changing rooms, locker rooms, showers, and fixtures in conjunction with accessibility upgrades. These renovations will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the aquatics venue but also ensure longevity and enhance functionality for years to come.

    Looking Ahead

    M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, is committed to investing in our community’s recreational resources. This major aquatic capital improvement project is a testament to our dedication to providing high-quality facilities that enhance health, wellness, and overall quality of life for all residents and user groups.

    We thank you for your patience and understanding as we embark on this exciting journey. Together, we can look forward to a future filled with enhanced recreational opportunities and a beautifully renovated aquatic venue.  The improvements will increase functionality, energy efficiency, reduce downtime, expand programming offerings, and enhance our ability to accommodate event requests and access for swim teams, practices, and competitions, particularly those serving youth and teens, both within the county and beyond.

    During this initial phase, there will be some impacts on programming. This includes logistical and scheduling adjustments for programs such as the Senior Day Program, lap swimming, water walking, learn-to-swim, and water fitness classes. These programs will be relocated to the Leisure Pool.

    The aquatics program and management staff will continue working diligently to adjust scheduling and logistics to support a wide variety of existing programs. Our goal is to minimize disruptions to patrons and preserve the user experience regarding pool availability. However, given the high demand and limited availability of the Leisure Pool, program adjustments and prioritization may be necessary.  

    We invite you to visit any of our other six indoor pools during this closure for additional aquatic programs, services, and drop-in swim opportunities.

    Indoor Pools:

    • Allentown Splash Park – 7210 Allentown Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
    • Fairland Sports & Aquatics Complex – 13820 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, MD 20707
    • Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool – 6122 Sargent Rd, Hyattsville, MD 2082
    • Southern Area Aquatics & Recreation Complex – 13601 Missouri Ave, Brandywine, MD 20613
    • Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center – 7011 Bock Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
    • Theresa Banks Memorial Aquatic Center – 8615 McLain Ave, Glenarden, MD 20706

    Stay updated by signing up for PGParks Alerts to receive notifications on your mobile device.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please email splex@pgparks.com.

  • M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Announces Cancellations of Aftercare Programs Due to Inclement Weather 

    RIVERDALE, Md. – Due to inclement weather conditions affecting the region, The Maryland – National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, announces that all morning, aftercare and preschool programs are cancelled for today December 5, 2025. All other programs, events, and rentals will operate as scheduled.  

    The safety of our community members and staff is our top priority. We encourage everyone to stay safe and avoid driving if possible.  

    The Department will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as needed. For the latest information on facility reopening and program rescheduling, please visit pgparks.com, follow us on social media, or sign up for pgparks alerts.  

    We appreciate the community’s understanding as we work to ensure the safety of all during this weather event.  

    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

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  • Celebrate the Holiday Season with M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County

    Free or low-cost Holiday Events for the Entire Family  

    RIVERDALE, Md. – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s Countyinvites the community to celebrate the holidays with free or low-cost events for the entire family. From dazzling light displays, holiday concerts, and visits from Santa the entire family can Live More, Play More this holiday season.

    Upcoming events include:

    Festival of Lights

    Friday, November 28 – Thursday, January 1, 5 pm – 9:30 pm nightly

    Watkins Regional Park

    301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD

    Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Festival of Lights, all from the comfort of your car. Drive through three miles of dazzling light displays featuring more than 2.5 million lights, the largest show of its kind in the Washington D.C. area. Returning this year, Holiday Hayrides, a festive way to enjoy the sights with loved ones. Advanced registration is required for hayrides.

    Santa Fly-In

    Saturday, December 6, 10 am – 3 pm

    College Park Aviation Museum

    1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD

    Enjoy a festive day filled with holiday cheer from around the world! Experience magic, fun, and family with Santa as he makes his annual return to the College Park Aviation Museum and files in for a day of holiday merriment. Be dazzled with the Berwyn Ballet’s excerpts from “The Nutcracker” and explore how other cultures celebrate winter traditions with fun and festive crafts and activities. Advance registration required by December 3.

    The Nutcracker with the National Ballet Company

    Saturday, December 6, 7 pm & Sunday, December 7, 4 pm

    Prince George’s Publick Playhouse

    5445 Landover Road, Hyattsville, MD

    Returning to the Publick Playhouse stage, the National Ballet Company revisits the enchanting world of “The Nutcracker,” a holiday classic that has captivated audiences of all ages for generations. The production, with its magical storyline, vibrant costumes, and breathtaking choreography, is set against the backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, creating an immersive experience that transports viewers to a whimsical winter wonderland.

    Holiday Jingle Jam | FREE

    Saturday, December 13, 9 am – 12 pm

    Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex

    13601 Missouri Ave, Brandywine, MD 

    Spend a magical morning of holiday fun with the family. Create your own Elf on the Shelf, enjoy cookies with cocoa, and snap a photo with a special jolly guest. Then, experience the heartwarming children’s show Holiday Block Party at 11 am, performed by the Canady Foundation for the Arts Repertory Theatre. Through music, dance, puppetry, and storytelling, journey globally to explore cultural traditions from Diwali to Kwanza, Las Posadas and more.

    Holiday Craft Fair | FREE

    Saturday, December 13, 11 am – 4 pm

    Brentwood Arts Exchange

    3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, MD

    Kick off the holidays at the festive Holiday Craft Fair, where you can shop from over a dozen local artisans showcasing their handcrafted goods. Discover unique gifts, enjoy live music, and sip on seasonal favorites from Maryland Meadworks. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or simply soaking in the holiday cheer, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list.

    Skate with Santa

    Saturday, December 13, 2 pm – 4 pm

    Herbert W. Wells Ice Rink

    5211 Campus Drive, College Park, MD

    Break out your festive holiday wear and celebrate the season, ice skating, and taking photos with Santa. No registration required.

    A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Eric Byrd Trio

    Saturday, December 20, 2 – 4 pm

    Montpelier Arts Center

    9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD

    Christmastime is here! Celebrate the season with an afternoon filled with festive music from the Peanuts’ special. Comprised of pianist/ vocalist Eric Byrd, bassist Bhagwan Khalsa, and drummer Alphonso Young, Jr., the Trio has traveled the world as enthusiastic ambassadors of jazz. Bringing fresh arrangements to these familiar songs, they are sure to put you in a holiday mood.  

    In the Water Basketball Showcase

    Friday, December 26 and Saturday, December 27, 12 noon tip off

    The Show Place Arena

    14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD

    In the Water Basketball Showcase brings two electrifying days of high school basketball action to The Show Place Arena. Don’t miss this holiday showdown, featuring the top boys’ and girls’ teams across the DC Metropolitan Area battling it out under one roof in a high-stakes, high-energy atmosphere.

    For more information about upcoming M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation events, visit pgparks.com.