M-NCPPC Encourages Community to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
RIVERDALE, MD – July 16, 2026 – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, continues to encourage residents, visitors, and employees to take precautions as dangerously high temperatures and elevated heat index values persist across the region. The Department urges everyone to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, and take advantage of available cooling centers and aquatic facilities.
M-NCPPC continues to closely monitor weather conditions and will provide updates as needed to help protect the health and safety of the community.
Programs and Events
The following is the current status of today’s programs, events, and activities due to extreme heat:
- Gather On the Green Concert Series at Concord Historic Site (5 – 8 pm) – cancelled
- Fitness in the Parks: Zumba at Fairwood Community Park (6 –7 pm) – cancelled
- Get Fit Mobile: Fitness on the Fly at Watkins Regional Park (6 –7 pm) – cancelled
- Summer Concert Series at Watkins Regional Park – Scheduled as planned
Please note that programs, events, and activities may be modified, postponed, relocated, or cancelled as weather conditions change. Visit pgparks.com or sign up for PGParks Alerts for the latest updates.
Outdoor Aquatic Facilities
Looking for a way to beat the heat? M-NCPPC’s outdoor pools and splash parks provide a fun and refreshing way to stay cool during periods of extreme heat. Advanced registration is suggested where applicable.
- Allentown Splash Park: 7210 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
- Cross Creek Pool: 12806 Bay Hills Drive, Calverton, MD 20705
- Ellen 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
For locations, hours, and availability, visit pgparks.com.
Cooling Centers
Residents are encouraged to visit designated cooling centers throughout Prince George’s County to stay safe during periods of extreme heat. For a complete list of cooling center locations, visit pgparks.com.
Outdoor Activity Advisory
To reduce the risk of heat-related illness, patrons are strongly encouraged to limit time outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day. If you plan to spend time outside, drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Be alert for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, or weakness. If symptoms worsen or someone appears confused, loses consciousness, or stops sweating, seek medical attention immediately.
When possible, postpone strenuous outdoor activities or visit outdoor recreational amenities during the cooler morning or evening hours, including:
- Parks and trails
- Outdoor courts (tennis, pickleball, and basketball)
- Playgrounds
- Golf courses
- Picnic pavilions
- Campgrounds
- Trap & Skeet Center
- Old Maryland Farm
- Athletic fields and other outdoor recreational facilities
Depending on weather conditions and heat index levels, certain outdoor facilities or athletic fields may experience temporary operational adjustments to protect public health and safety.
On Code Red Heat Alert days, all M-NCPPC artificial turf athletic fields are closed to help protect the health and safety of participants, coaches, officials, and spectators. The Department’s Permits Team notifies all permitted field users by email as soon as a Code Red day is declared.
Residents are encouraged to check on older adults, young children, neighbors, and other vulnerable individuals during periods of extreme heat.
We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these extreme weather conditions together. Stay safe, stay cool, and continue to Live More, Play More safely.
For the latest weather-related updates, facility information, or to sign up for PGParks Alerts, visit pgparks.com.
About the Department
With over 30,000 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.
