John E. Howard Community Center

4400 Shell Street
Capitol Heights, MD 20743
301-735-3340; TTY 301-218-6768

Hours of Operation

Mondays-Thursdays: 3:30-8 pm
Fridays: 3:30-7 pm; Xtreme Teens only: 7-10 pm
Saturdays: Rentals only; Xtreme Teens only: 7-10 pm
Sundays: Rentals only


This recreation facility is located within the John E. Howard Elementary School building. The community center portion of the building includes a gymnasium, game room, multi-purpose room, warming kitchen, lobby, and offices. Play equipment, tennis courts, two athletic fields, and a picnic area are located outside the building. Recreation programs and classes in the areas of sports, arts, fitness, dance, crafts, cooking, self-improvement, drama, games, hobbies, martial arts, music, and do-it-yourself instruction are among the activities offered here. The center also hosts tournaments, clubs, camps, special events, workshops, drop-in programs, after-school programs, and cultural activities at different times. Pre-schoolers, children, teens, adults, and senior citizens will find a variety of recreation opportunities available at the center. For more information about John E. Howard Community Center programs, please contact staff at the number above.

Location/Directions

From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take the Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 4) Exit West toward Forestville. Continue on Pennsylvania Avenue to Alton Street. Make a right onto Alton Street. Go one block and make a right onto DeWitt Avenue. Proceed five blocks to John E. Howard Center.

Need a Ride?

TheBus 
Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA)