The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (the Commission) welcomes you to the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation's award-winning web site. The Commission is a bi-county agency serving Prince George's and Montgomery Counties in Maryland, located just to the north and east of Washington, DC. The original charge of the Commission was to practice "long-range planning and park acquisition and development." Since it was founded in 1927, the Commission's responsibilities have expanded to include administration of Prince George's County's public recreation program.

A well-respected leader in the field, the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to providing quality recreation programs, facilities, and services for residents and visitors. The Commission operates and maintains more than 26,267 acres of parkland throughout the county, including land developed to provide parks, picnic areas, athletic fields, historic sites, community centers, and recreation facilities. In an effort to maintain the county's natural beauty, a large percentage of the land has been left undeveloped to serve as buffers and to provide natural open spaces.

The Department operates a comprehensive park and recreation system that offers programs and facilities designed to meet the needs and interests of patrons of all ages. Outdoor festivals, live performances, trips, self-improvement classes, teen and senior activities, summer camps, fitness and sports programs, art and nature programs, and more than 40 miles of hiker/biker/equestrian trails are just a few of the recreational amenities offered.

A skilled and qualified workforce-community recreation specialists, park planners, naturalists, park police, support staff, and many more-help the Department provide quality services to the citizens of Prince George's County.

Mission Statement
In partnership with our citizens, the Department of Parks and Recreation provides comprehensive park and recreation programs, facilities, and services which respond to changing needs within our communities. We strive to preserve, enhance, and protect our open spaces to enrich the quality of life for present and future generations in a safe and secure environment.

Vision Statement
The Department of Parks and Recreation pledges to:

• Provide stewardship of our county's natural, cultural, and historical resources.
• Foster the need of our citizens for recreational pursuits in a leisure environment.
• Provide the highest standard of excellence in public service through cooperative partnership with our diverse community.