Bladensburg Waterfront Park

BLADENSBURG
Waterfront Park
2014 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Bladensburg Waterfront Park visitors will find a picturesque park in
an urban setting. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It is nestled among the
Port Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Edmonston and Cottage City, Maryland. It
provides a unique recreational, natural and historical resource for visitors and residents.
The park, formerly known as the Bladensburg Marina, is located on the Anacostia River,
east of the Peace Cross Memorial. This Waterfront Park features a paved riverside walk,
picnic pavilion, public fishing pier, free boat ramp, free pontoon boat tours, community
boat storage, and canoe, kayak, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals. Visit the Battle of
Visitor Information
Bladensburg Visitor Center or take a walk on the Anacostia River Trail.
History of Bladensburg Waterfront Park
I
n 1742 the town of Bladensburg was created on the banks of the
Anacostia River. The river’s depth at that time was approximately 40 feet.
This port town was named after Maryland Governor Thomas Bladen.
The town was a vibrant commercial port with wharves, taverns and stores.
Some of the historic properties still exist: The George Washington House, a
tavern during the 1700s and currently the headquarters for the Anacostia
Watershed Society; Market Master’s House; Bostwick House; Magruder House;
and Free Hope Baptist Church.
The success of Bladensburg as a port town during the 1700s was due
largely to Christopher Lowndes— a merchant, and shipyard and ropewalk
owner—who was the town commissioner for 40 years. By the 1800s the port
town began to decline due to flooding and the silting of the river. In the
1850s tobacco shipping ended when the river became too shallow for
seagoing vessels. Flooding remained a problem in Bladensburg until 1954
when the Army Corps of Engineers began a flood control and navigation
project. This project involved straightening parts of the river,
dredging, and the construction of levees, bridges, pumping stations
and highways.
In 1996 the old Bladensburg Marina began to be transformed.
The waterfront was redeveloped with a new public boating facility,
visitor center, waterfront walkway, historic interpretive panels, a
picnic pavilion based on a ropewalk, playground, floating docks and
parking. It was re-opened to the public in 2000. In 2005, a pedestrian
bridge linking Bladensburg and Colmar Manor was completed,
connecting hiker-biker trails on both sides of the river.
George Washington House (top) and Market Master’s House (bottom)
Rent single or tandem kayaks, canoes, rowboats or paddle boats. Rentals
are available daily, from 9 am– 5 pm from May–October. The last rental
is at 4 pm.
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Canoe & Kayak Rates: Resident $16/day; Non-Resident $20/day
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Paddleboats & Rowboat Rates: Resident $8/hour, $20/day;
Non-Resident $9/hour, $26/day
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Bike Rentals: Explore the Anacostia Trail system
by bike: Resident Youth $5; Adult $10;
Non-Resident Youth $6; Adult $12
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Fishing Rods: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
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Senior Mondays: FREE canoe/kayak/bike rentals
from April–May
RENTAL FACILITIES
THE ROPEWALK PAVILION is available for rentals with 24 picnic
tables and a capacity for a maximum of 150 people. All renters must
have a SMARTlink account and complete a rental contract. Full
payment plus the deposit is due with the reservation. Large groups or
specialized functions must have permission or a reservation to use the
pavilion. Alcoholic beverages and outside grilling are not permitted. All
M-NCPPC park rules apply. Rentals are available daily from 9 am– 6 pm.
Call for more information.
FEE: Under 150 persons— Resident $300; Non-Resident $400
Security Deposit: $100
FEE: Over 150 persons— Resident $800; Non-Resident $960
Security Deposit: $200
CLASSROOM RENTALS are available for meetings, birthday parties
and other small functions. The capacity is 40 people with table and
chairs; and 50 people auditorium-style seating. Kitchen facilities are
not available.
FEE: Resident $60/hour; Non-Resident $78/hour;
Security Deposit (required) $100
THE COMMUNITY BOATHOUSE
is available to rent for storage of
canoes, kayaks and rowing shells
for individuals and teams.
Monthly rates are based on boat
length: Indoor fee $1.60/foot;
Outdoor fee $1.40/foot
BOAT SHEDS (80-square feet)
are available for rent.
Fee: $1/month per square foot; $960/year
R ENTA LS | 1
Rentals
RENTAL HOURS & RATES
Social Studies & Science Programs
Curriculum Programs
Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers science and social studies curriculum
programs to grades kindergarten through eighth at our location or at
your school. Please call for more information.
SCIENCE
n Animal
Babies & Habitats
Characteristics
n Life Cycles of Plants & Animals
n Meteorology & Weather
n Natural Resources
n Nature Senses
n Plants, Photosynthesis & Cycles
n Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Conservation
n Water & You
n Weather & The Water Cycle
n Wetlands & River Ecology
n Young Surgeons-Life Science/Biology
n Animal
SOCIAL STUDIES
n 19th
Century Prince George’s County
of Bladensburg & the War of 1812
n Native Americans Along the Anacostia River
n Battle
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
n Guided
Bike Tours
Detectives
n Nature Detectives
n History
2 | SOCIAL STUDIES & SCIENCE PROGRAMS
Saturday, May 17, 12 noon – 4 pm
Bring the entire family to enjoy this exciting event
featuring birds of prey, reptiles, farm animals, a
puppet show, food vendors, arts & crafts and much
more! All ages; FREE
OPEN HOUSE ON THE WATERFRONT
Saturday, May 31, 9 am – 3 pm
Co-sponsored by M-NCPPC and Ladders-N-Things, enjoy a free, fun day
in the park. Enjoy free refreshments and learn basic fishing and canoe
paddling techniques. All necessary materials provided. All ages; FREE
CARIBBEAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 7, 12 noon – 8 pm
Hosted by the Caribbean Council of Prince George’s County, experience
“A Taste of the Caribbean.” Enjoy live performances, delicious food,
craft vendors, free boat rides, “pon de river” and more. All ages; FREE
ARTS ON THE WATERFRONT
Sundays, June 15–August 3, 6 – 7:30 pm
Join us when the Waterfront springs to life with
music and entertainment: Jazz, R&B, Reggae, Dance,
Blues, Rock and a Puppet Show. Refreshments will
be available for purchase. All ages; FREE
SPECIAL EVENT: 200TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE WAR OF 1812 AND THE BATTLE OF
BLADENSBURG COMMEMORATION
Saturday, August 23, 1– 9 pm
Watch historic re-enactments, and visit exhibitors & vendors.
Enjoy music, fireworks and more.
PORT TOWNS DAY
Saturday, September 27, 12 noon– 9 pm
Rain Date: October 11
Enjoy music, prizes, food, crafts, vendors
and other activities. Co-sponsored by
M-NCPPC and the Towns of Bladensburg,
Colmar Manor, Edmonston and Cottage
City. All ages; FREE
TEENS & JEANS FOR THE HOMELESS WALK-A-THON
Saturday, November 22, 10 am– 2 pm
Walk the Anacostia River Trail and help bring
awareness to homelessness. Enjoy a marching
band, live entertainment and refreshments.
Bring clean, gently worn jeans of all sizes for
those in need. All ages; FREE
COMMUNITY EVENTS/PROGRAMS | 3
Community Evnets/Programs
A-MAY-ZING ANIMAL FEST
History Programs & Events
All programs begin at 1 pm
except for October programs
which begin at 6:30 pm.
MARCH
12 Wednesday, “A Soldier’s Life”
19 Wednesday, “A Sailor’s Life”
26 Wednesday, Workshop: “The
Art of Quill Writing”
APRIL
9 Wednesday, “18th Century
Letter Writing”
16 Wednesday, “A Sailor’s Life”
23 Wednesday, “The Audacious
Joshua Barney”
30 Wednesday, “The Audacious
Joshua Barney: The American
Revolution”
AUGUST
9 Saturday, “History Alive:
Dolley Madison Show & Tea”
13 Wednesday, The Battle of
Bladensburg Pontoon Boat Tour
23 Saturday, War of 1812 Battle of
Bladensburg Commemoration
SEPTEMBER
17 Wednesday, “The History of
The Port of Bladensburg”
OCTOBER
10 Friday, “The Ghost of Dueling
Creek Campfire & Night Hike”
24 Friday, “Pirates of the
MAY
10 Saturday, “History Alive
Dolley Madison Show & Tea”
21 Wednesday, “A Sailor’s Life”
28 Wednesday, “The Art of Quill
Writing”
JUNE
11 Wednesday, “A Sailor’s Life”
14 Saturday, “Ships Ahoy: Pirates
of the Chesapeake”
25 Wednesday, The Star Spangled
Banner Program & Boat Tours
JULY
9 Wednesday, “19th Century
Prince George’s County”
23 Wednesday, “The British on the
Chesapeake”
4 | HISTORY PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Chesapeake: Evening Campfire
& Boat Ride”
NOVEMBER
12 Wednesday, “A Soldier’s Life”
Join a Park Naturalist on a pontoon boat for an environmental or historical
tour of the scenic Anacostia River.
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Weekday Boat Tours
Tuesdays – Fridays, April 16 – October 31, 12 noon – 12:45 pm
Registration begins at 11:30 am
Evening Boat Tours
Saturdays & Sundays, May 4– October 27, 5– 5:45 pm
Registration begins at 4:30 pm
Fishing Boat Tours
June 22 & September 21, 9 am– 12 noon
Fee: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
Bird Watching Tours
March 22, 1– 3 pm; June 29 & September 7, 9– 11 am
Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
Groups of 15 or more people must schedule their own environmental
or historical tour with a program.
Fee: Resident $2/person; Non-Resident $3/person
RIVER CLEAN-UPS
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Earth Day Clean-up & Celebration 2014
Saturday, April 5, 9:30 am– 12 noon
Sponsored by Anacostia Watershed Society; After the clean-up, at 1 pm,
join us for a celebration at RFK Stadium. Enjoy a free lunch, live
entertainment and environmental displays.
Global Youth Service Day
Saturday, April 12, 9 am– 12 noon
Join youth around the world and make a difference in your community.
Earn service learning hours. Clean-up the Anacostia River, plant flowers
& trees and beautify the park. Enjoy refreshments, give-a-ways and much
more. Registration required. Ages 10 & up
Anacostia River Clean-ups
Saturdays, June 14, September 6 & October 4, 9:30 am– 12 noon
To register online, visit www.pgparks.com and click on Volunteers.
ANACOSTIA RIVER BOAT TOURS | 5
Anacostia River Boat Tours & River Clean-ups
ANACOSTIA RIVER BOAT TOURS
Nature Programs
KIDS’ DAY OUT
March 28 & April 15, 9 am – 4:30 pm
Explore the outdoors! Go boating, fishing, hiking and more. Ask about
earning service learning hours. Materials provided.
Ages 5-12
FEE: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30
FISHING CLINIC 101
Sundays, April 27, May 18 & July 22, 10 am –1 pm
Learn basic fishing techniques such as casting,
handling fish and fish safety. Children 12 & under
must be accompanied by an adult.
Ages 6 & up
FEE: Resident $5; Non-Resident $6
NATURE BIKE TOUR
Saturdays May 3, July 19 & September 6, 10 am–1 pm
Take a guided bike tour to explore our natural
environment. Children 16 & under must be
accompanied by an adult.
Ages 8 & up
FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
BUTTERFLY HIKE
Saturday, May 24 & September 13, 11 am–2 pm
Join a naturalist in search of butterflies. Wear comfortable
shoes and bring a lunch. Materials provided. Children 10
& under must be accompanied by an adult.
FEE: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3
FEE STRUCTURE: Residents are persons living within Prince George’s and
Montgomery Counties. Non-Residents are persons living in all other
jurisdictions. Reservations are required for all programs.
TO REGISTER, visit www.pgparks.com and click on the SMARTlink logo.
6 | NATURE PROGRAMS
Hours: Daily, 10 am-4 pm
The Visitors Center is located along the Anacostia River near the site
of the Battle of Bladensburg in the War of 1812. This devastating
American military defeat allowed the British to proceed into
Washington, D.C. where many government
buildings were burned, including the U.S.
Capitol and The White House. The Center
uses photos, artifacts and other media to tell
the fascinating story of the people, places and
events of the battle in Prince George’s County.
Historical and archeological artifacts from the
British troop encampments of Nottingham
are displayed along with narrative historical
accounts.
The Battle of Bladensburg Visitor Center offers
programs and activities for all ages. For more
information, visit history.pgparks.com.
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Discussions & Lectures
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Historical & Living History
Demonstrations
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Scheduled Interpretive Historical
Pontoon Boat Tours
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School Curriculum Programs
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Special Guest Speakers
BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG VISITORS CENTER | 7
Battle of Bladensburg Visitors Center
BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG VISITORS CENTER
Boat Programs
MARYLAND BOATING SAFETY CLASS
Saturday & Sunday, March 29 & 30 or April 26 & 27, 8:30 am– 1 pm
The Maryland Boating Safety Course is required for all power boat
operators. Earn your Certificate of Boating Safety Education.
Ages 12 & up
FEE: $25/person
KAYAK & CANOE LESSONS
Learn paddling skills from a certified instructor. Children 16 & under
must be accompanied by an adult.
Ages 11 & up
FEE: Resident $25; Non-Resident $30
n Kayak Lessons: Saturdays, May 24, June 28, July 26, September 13 &
October 25, 10 am– 2 pm
n Canoe Lessons: Saturdays, June 7, July 5 & September 20, 10 am– 2 pm
PADDLE SPORT TOURS
Saturdays, June 21, July 19 & August 10,
10 am–2 pm
Join a naturalist for a paddling excursion in
a kayak or canoe to the Kenilworth Aquatic
Gardens. Children 16 & under must be
accompanied by an adult.
FEE: Resident $10; Non-Resident $12
FREE FAMILY SUNDAYS
Sundays, June 22, July 27, August 24, September 21 & October 26
Enjoy a FREE, one-hour canoe, kayak or paddle boat rental. Call for times
about this M-NCPPC Health &Wellness Initiative.
FEE STRUCTURE: Residents are persons living within Prince George’s and
Montgomery Counties. Non-Residents are persons living in all other
jurisdictions. Reservations are required for all programs.
TO REGISTER, visit www.pgparks.com and click on the SMARTlink logo.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities to volunteer
at the Park and earn service learning hours.
To register online, visit www.pgparks.com
and click on Volunteers.
8 | BOAT PROGRAMS
Join us as the Waterfront springs to life with music and entertainment.
Refreshments will be available for sale. Sponsored by M-NCPPC and the
Port Towns Center at Colmar Manor.
All shows are from 6–7:30 pm and are FREE.
June 15
Dr. S.O. Feelgood Sweet Soul Music Man
Blues, Soul, R&B Music
June 22
Energetic African Drumming, Song & Dance
June 29
Sharon Thomas Experience
Jazz, R&B, Funk Music
July 6
The Uncle Devin Show
Musical Children’s Show
July 13
The Crawdaddies
Louisiana’s Cajun, Zydeco, Blues & Rock
July 20
Laura Sosa & “Pa’ Gozar”
Latin Rhythms, Cumbia, Bachata, Salsa & Merengue
July 27
Country Band
August 3
Oasis Island Sounds
Caribbean Music, Calypso, Reggae & Steel Pan
SUMMER CONCERTS | 9
Summer Concert Series
ARTS ON THE WATERFRONT
MAIN GALLERY | 10
PPC PR PA 3/14
Produced by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission,
Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County, Natural and
Historical Resources Division.
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation
of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance
of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG VISITOR CENTER: Open Daily, 10 am– 4 pm
OFFICE HOURS: Open Daily, 8:30 am – 5 pm
PARK HOURS: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
DIRECTIONS: From the Capital Beltway, take Kenilworth Avenue
(Rt. 201) South, and exit at Route 450 West/Bladensburg. Turn left
onto Route 450, go 300 feet and turn left into Bladensburg
Waterfront Park at the sign. This entrance is 500 feet east of the
Peace Cross Memorial.
4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, Maryland 20710
Information: 301-779-0371; TTY 301-699-2544
www.pgparks.com
BLADENSBURG WATERFRONT PARK
PAID
Riverdale, MD
Permit #1083
PRSRT STD
Postage